The San José Half Marathon that took place this Sunday morning was struck by tragedy as one of the participants was ran over and killed by a reckless driver that disregarded the safety measures.

The 35-year-old runner identified as David Yañez Pacheco from Venezuela, was ran over near the Zapote church close to 6:15 a.m., the organization of the event posted the information on their Facebook page:

“The organization of the Esencial Costa Rica Half Marathon San José 2017, informs the general public that the event complied with all security measures, permits and insurance policies for all runners that registered.

We clarify this matter, since one of the runners participating in the 21 kilometer route, passed away after a vehicle that disregarded our safety norms ran over him in the Zapote sector.

In order to make this event happen, we had the presence of 19 traffic police officers, 90 assistants, four emergency units (one every 5km) to attend any medical emergency that could occur, and a security chief.

We took all the security measures that we always take. There are things that fall out of our control.

Our emergency team received the report of an accident by one of the transit units and in a matter of one and a half minute the athlete was receiving attention, he was stabilized and transferred to the hospital.

The press office of the Calderon Guardia Hospital informed us that the athlete passed away at 6:59 a.m. in the emergency room.

We deeply regret this incident and join in solidarity with his family, friends, loved ones, and the community of runners that today suffer the loss of a fellow athlete. ”

According to witnesses the driver, a 26-year-old from Cartago, tried to flee the scene but he was stopped a few meters from where the accident occurred, apparently the driver was under the influence of alcohol, (this hasn’t been officially confirmed) and there were four more people in the car with him.