Runner was given doctor’s all-clear but had complained of chest pains

The 55-year-old British man who died after collapsing just a few meteres from the finish line of the Malta marathon on Sunday, was Mike Freeman of Essex.

Freeman was said to have been given the all-clear to run by a doctor after complaining of chest pains two weeks ago, and died after being taken to Mater Dei Hospital.

Freeman was a member of Michelle’s Running Group in Great Notley, Essex

Mike Freeman’s last words were, “next year, eh!” according to a tribute posted online by his wife.

His wife Nicola wrote: “I can’t even start to say thank you for all your lovely comments. I can’t believe this has happened but I know he would want tomorrow to go ahead.

“He loved running and he loved you all. One of our last words were about running up to the finish and how lovely it would be to see you all there. He joked next year eh! Devastated xxxx”

A post-mortem examination is due to be held on Monday.