Court rejects claim in runner's death

A court in Fujian province rejected a compensation claim on Thursday that was brought by the family of an unregistered runner who died after a half-marathon last year in Xiamen, Fujian province.

The family of the runner, whose surname was Wu, had demanded more than 1.23 million yuan ($187,000) from the organizer of the race and a runner surnamed Li who had given her entry number to Wu.

The Haicang District People's Court in Xiamen said that Wu, who had participated in such races before, should have known the risks and rules, yet he accepted somebody else's number and joined in.

The court said further that there was no evidence showing that either the organizer or the rules violation itself had caused Wu's death.

At the Xiamen International Half Marathon in December, Wu collapsed after crossing the finish line. He was given first aid by medical workers and was immediately sent to the hospital, where he died despite treatment.

The court held two public trials in June and August. Upon receiving its decision, the plaintiffs said they would appeal.