Safety app launched after runner's death during race

A charity which was set up by a man who died suddenly during a half-marathon has launched a new app to help runners train safely.

Matthew Good died at the age of 32 in 2011 while taking part in the Humber Half Marathon to raise money to fund a school in Uganda.

The Matthew Good foundation said Mr Good had no underlying medical conditions, but died from hyponatremia - a condition which can happen if a runner drinks too much water during a race whilst also losing body salt through sweat.

Now the family-run charity, based in Hessle, wants to honour Mr Good with the Race Ready app to "ensure runners have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy".

The app has been developed to provide information on topics including nutrition, hydration, and illness prevention, and will also provide race location weather updates and checklists so that runners are prepared ahead of their event.

Mr Good's brother Tim, who is also the chairman of the foundation, said: "Race Ready is not just an app, it's a continuation of Matt's legacy.

"Our foundation's involvement in race medicine has always been about making a real difference, and this app is a testament to that.

"It's a way to honour Matthew by ensuring that runners everywhere have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy, and I believe he would be proud of what we've achieved."

The Humber Half Marathon's start time was moved by event organisers to an earlier time the following year to avoid problems caused by heat.

Dr Amy Boalch, also known online as the Marathon Medic, has led the project and said the aim was to get more information quickly into the hands of runners.

She said: "As a doctor and running coach, I understand the importance of being well prepared for races, not just in terms of physical training but also in understanding the medical risks involved.

"Race Ready addresses a crucial gap in the running community by providing accessible, personalised information that can help raise awareness of medical issues."

The free app is available to download on both iOS and Android platforms, on the App Store or Google Play.

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