A British man who died taking part in the Malta marathon had joked about taking part in the race again just moments before he died.
Mike Freeman, believed to be 55 and from Braintree, collapsed less than a mile from the finish line, according to local newspaper reports.
His wife, Nicola, said that her husband had joked with her as he was on the approach to the finish line, the BBC reported.
She added that he “loved running”.
Mike Freeman died after collapsing near the finish line of the Malta Marathon
An autopsy is due to be held on Monday.
Media reports in Malta said that Freeman, was accompanied by his wife during the marathon, and that a doctor had given him the all-clear to participate in the race after he had complained of chest pain two weeks ago, the Press Association reported.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with the family of a British man who died in Malta on 28 February.
"We stand ready to assist them at this difficult time."