RUNNING club members have told of their shock after a father-of-two collapsed and died during an annual fun run.

Roy Shotton was taking part in the New Eltham Joggers 5km run, being held at Eltham Park South on Sunday, when he collapsed.

Paramedics made attempts to resuscitate him at the scene but he could not be revived.

Race organiser Jim Williams witnessed the tragedy.

He said: "I saw him come over the bridge and he looked terrible.

"He was pale and white. I told him to slow down and that there was no rush.

"Two hundred yards later he just fell to the ground. It was shocking."

Mr Williams says Mr Shotton had only been a club member for three weeks.

However, despite this he was already a popular figure.

Mr Williams added: "He had only been with us for a short time but he was a nice bloke and fitted in well. It is such a shame."

Mr Shotton, 37, collapsed just after 11.30am.

He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, and pronounced dead on arrival.

A post-race presentation ceremony to reward those who took part in the race was cancelled as a mark of respect.

Club chairman Dave Lewis said: "It was such an incredible day but it was marred by the tragic death.

"All our thoughts are with his friends and family."

Mr Lewis, who was on first-aid duty on the day, does not want the tragedy to discourage people from running.

He added: "I have been doing first-aid at the event for nine years now and this is the first casualty of any description I can recall.

"We have runners aged 80 and over in our club. This could have happened to anyone."

A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out on Mr Shotton today.