Woman, in her 40s, dies competing in 407km ultramarathon in US

A woman, in her 40s, died in northern Arizona, U.S., while competing in a 253-mile (407km) ultramarathon.

According to race organisers and authorities, the runner died on May 5 during the Cocodona 250 ultramarathon, Associated Press reported.

Medical emergency

First responders attended to the runner who collapsed at a trailhead in the Groom Creek community south of Prescott.

A statement on social media said the runner “experienced a serious medical emergency” during the race.

Personal details were not disclosed “out of respect for the runner’s family and loved ones”.

Cocodona 250

According to The Guardian, the Cocodona 250 begins in the desert and involves an estimated 38,791 feet (11.8km) of elevation gain, with a high point of 9,241 feet (2.8km) outside Flagstaff.

The ultramarathon has been held annually since 2021.

A total of 400 participants were listed on the race tracker.

Rachel Entrekin won the 2026 Cocodona 250 with a new course record of 56 hours, nine minutes and 48 seconds.

She is also the first woman to win the race, marking history in the sport.

The ultramarathon started on May 4 and continues through May 9.