Kory Russell, a 25-year-old from Sully in the Vale of Glamorgan, was remembered this week by friends, family, and a host of well-wishers after his tragic passing at the finish line of the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London. On October 12, 2025, what began as a day of celebration and achievement ended in heartbreak, as Kory collapsed just as he was about to complete the race in Hyde Park. Despite the rapid and expert response of medical professionals—at one point, 26 specialists worked to save his life—Kory was taken to the hospital and later died. The formal cause of his death remains unknown, leaving loved ones and the running community grappling with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.
According to BBC News, Kory was an active, fit, and healthy young man who had been following a regular training schedule in the lead-up to the half marathon. His parents, Matt and Rhi Russell, described him as “the best son and brother anyone could ask for.” They shared, “He’ll be remembered for his kindness, his caring nature, his wit, but more importantly, and more than anything, his infectious smile, it would light up a room. More often than not he would be smiling at every opportunity. I think that’s what we would like him to be remembered for most.”
Kory’s journey to the Royal Parks Half Marathon was not his first foray into athletics. As a child, he swam for the City of Cardiff Swimming Club and, in more recent years, became a familiar face at parkrun events across London, regularly tackling 5km (3.1-mile) races. His dedication to training and his enthusiasm for running were evident to all who knew him. His mother, Rhi, reflected on the anticipation leading up to the event: “He was looking forward to running the Royal Parks Half Marathon with his family and friends supporting him.”
The day of the race, however, took a devastating turn. “It all changed so fast, he collapsed as he was approaching the finish line. We think his heart stopped after going into cardiac arrest,” Rhi told BBC News. She described the harrowing scene as they watched their son go from triumph to tragedy in moments: “We went from cheering him on, to him falling unconscious and being taken to the medical tent where at one stage he had 26 medical professionals trying to save his life.”
The efforts of the emergency teams did not go unnoticed by Kory’s family. His father, Matt, expressed deep gratitude for their dedication, saying, “We witnessed first-hand the medical expertise of the paramedics and doctors and know that they did everything they could for Kory.” The family also thanked the race organisers for their support during and after the incident. In the days following Kory’s death, runners and event staff reached out to the Russells to offer their sympathies, a gesture that brought some comfort amidst their grief.
Kory’s funeral, held on November 28, 2025, was a poignant celebration of his life and the impact he had on those around him. The service featured a tapestry of music, poetry, and heartfelt tributes that reflected Kory’s passions and his deep Welsh roots. His brother Iosi performed a song written in Kory’s memory, while friend Manon Ogwen Parry, the Pendyrus Male Voice Choir, and Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg school choir also contributed moving performances. The ceremony included a bilingual poem by author and poet Brennig Davies, a school friend, underscoring Kory’s pride in his heritage as a fluent Welsh speaker and regular attendee of the Eisteddfod.
The tributes did not end there. Specially recorded songs and messages from stars of Paddington The Musical, James Hameed and Tom Fletcher, as well as acclaimed Welsh singer and West End actor Lucie Jones, were played during the service. Even Welsh folk legend Dafydd Iwan sent a message to the family, a testament to the breadth of Kory’s connections and the esteem in which he was held.
Kory’s professional life was as vibrant as his personal one. Since graduating from Loughborough University, he had been living and working in London, carving out a reputation as a passionate chef. He previously honed his skills at a Michelin star restaurant in Penarth, and his family described him as driven, hard-working, and always busy—qualities that shone through in every aspect of his life.
“He was fiercely proud of his Welsh roots,” his family emphasized, noting that Kory and his siblings were all fluent Welsh speakers. His love for his homeland was evident in his regular attendance at cultural events and his close-knit ties to the Welsh community, even as he built a life in England’s bustling capital.
In the wake of his passing, the running community and the wider public have reflected on the risks and realities of endurance sports. While sudden cardiac events during races are rare, their impact is devastating. Kory’s story is a sobering reminder that even the healthiest and most prepared individuals are not immune to unforeseen tragedy. The outpouring of support from fellow runners, organizers, and strangers alike speaks to the solidarity of the athletic community in times of loss.
Yet, for those who knew Kory best, his legacy is not defined by the circumstances of his death, but by the warmth, humor, and generosity he brought to every room he entered. “He’ll be remembered for his kindness, his caring nature, his wit, but more importantly, and more than anything, his infectious smile, it would light up a room,” his parents said, echoing a sentiment shared by all who crossed his path.
As the formal investigation into his cause of death continues, the Russell family has chosen to focus on gratitude—for the time they had with Kory, for the efforts of medical professionals, and for the widespread compassion shown in their darkest hours. The tributes at his funeral, from music to poetry to heartfelt messages, painted a portrait of a young man who lived life to the fullest and inspired those around him to do the same.
In the end, Kory Russell’s story is one of love, community, and resilience. His memory endures not only in the hearts of his family and friends but in the acts of kindness and camaraderie that have followed in the wake of his passing. As his parents so simply and powerfully put it, Kory will always be remembered for his smile—and the light he brought into the world.
