Mark Austry Dead: Runner Dies After 2010 Dallas Half-Marathon

Mark Austry, a Former Texas Tech Baseball Player, Died  Seconds After Finishing the 2010 Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon

Mark Austry, a 32-year-old man from Lantana, Texas, collapsed and died after finishing the 2010 Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon. Austry, a former Texas Tech baseball player, was competing in his first half-marathon and had just crossed the finish line of the 13.1-mile half-marathon course when he fell to the ground.

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A father of two, Austry worked as a physician recruiter. An avid golfer, Austry had been in good physical condition heading into the marathon. At Texas Tech, Austry lettered from 1998 to 2000, after transferring from Coastal Carolina. He later went on to play minor league baseball with the Fort Worth Cats.

Doctors have yet to determine the cause of death.

Such marathon deaths to happen from time-to-time. Two men died during the 2009 Detroit Marathon. The Toronto Marathon saw a streak of deaths that stretched over several years.

When a healthy 32-year-old man drops dead during a marathon, it's hard not to wonder if marathons are as safe as we think. After all, running 13.1 or 26.2 miles takes a real toll on the human body, no matter what your physical condition.

Still, marathon organizers say that there are relatively few marathon deaths. The reason we hear about more marathon deaths is that more people are taking part in marathons than in the past.

If anything, the death of Mark Austry is a reminder to check with a physician before taking part in anything as strenuous as a marathon.