Kory Russell was just 25 years old when he collapsed at the finish line of the Royal Parks Half Marathon in Hyde Park, London, on 12 October 2025. Despite immediate specialist medical treatment at the scene and the efforts of paramedics, doctors and hospital staff, Kory sadly later died in hospital.
Originally from Sully in the Vale of Glamorgan, Kory was described by his family as “the best son and brother anyone could ask for” and someone whose “infectious smile would light up a room.”
Fit, healthy and active, Kory had been following a regular training schedule ahead of the race. A former swimmer with City of Cardiff Swimming Club alongside his sister Seren, he proudly wore the Welsh dragon from a young age and remained passionate about sport throughout his life.
Away from athletics, Kory had graduated from Loughborough University and was living and working in London for State Street, where colleagues described him as a highly valued and respected member of the team. He was also a talented chef who had previously worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Penarth.
Kory’s family remember him as kind, driven, caring and fiercely proud of his Welsh roots. A fluent Welsh speaker, he regularly attended the Eisteddfod and maintained close ties to Wales despite living in London.
His mum, Rhi, spoke movingly about how quickly everything changed on the day of the race.
“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.”
His father, Matt, paid tribute to the emergency responders who treated Kory.
“We witnessed first-hand the medical expertise of the paramedics and doctors and know that they did everything they could for Kory.”
Kory’s funeral at Llandaff Cathedral reflected the huge impact he had on those around him, with tributes from family, friends, musicians and members of the Welsh community who wanted to honour his life, warmth and spirit.
At Calon Hearts, stories like Kory’s are a heartbreaking reminder that serious heart-related incidents can affect young, fit and seemingly healthy people. Behind every statistic is a family, a friendship group and a community whose lives are changed forever.
Through heart screening, CPR training and improving access to defibrillators across Wales, Calon Hearts is working to raise awareness and help save lives in memory of young people like Kory.
To find out more about heart screening, CPR training or supporting the work of Calon Hearts, visit the Calon Hearts website at calonhearts.org
