On Monday, Action News learned the name of the 40 year-old man who died is G. Chris Gleason, of Clifton Park, N.Y. near Albany.
Gleason collapsed about a quarter mile from the finish line, dead from an apparent heart attack.
The other victim was previously identified as 21-year-old Jeffrey Lee of Cerritos, California. Lee, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, collapsed after crossing the finish line. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, also from an apparent heart attack.
Melanie Johnson, the Executive Director for the marathon issued this statement on Sunday:
"Philadelphia Marathon and Philadelphia Half Marathon organizers extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the two runners who lost their lives at the Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon today. We are deeply saddened and our thoughts are with their families and friends. We cannot at this time disclose the identities of the runners pending notification of the families. We will provide more information as it becomes available. Our thoughts remain with the runners' families and friends."
Many people at the marathon were unaware that anything occurred. One runner said due to the comfortable weather, the incident was very shocking.
"It was perfect running weather, ideal for any runner. You would expect it more if there was really high humidity and hot conditions" said Jamie DiMeglio.
Most of the other runners who finished the race had no idea what had happened.
"You see people as you go that either fall over or they're in a lot of pain, but nothing specific," said Mike Gorman Learning of the deaths dampened the excitement of runners who just moments earlier had been basking in their own accomplishments. "Maybe they had a pre-existing condition, and with 26.2 miles or even with the half marathon at 13.6 miles, you are really pushing your body," said Jim Wendolek. "It's terrible," said Vanessa Sterner. "You can be in the best of shape, and unfortunate things can happen. It's sad. It just makes me a little bit sad."