Downtown Miami

Miami Marathon runner dies. It could be first death in event’s history

Runners head eastbound on the MacArthur Causeway, running past docked cruise ships at the Life Time Miami Marathon & Half on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Miami, Florida.
Runners head eastbound on the MacArthur Causeway, running past docked cruise ships at the Life Time Miami Marathon & Half on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Miami, Florida. cjuste@miamiherald.com

A 33-year-old man running the Miami Marathon with thousands of other participants on Sunday collapsed during the race and later died, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Julien Autissier suffered a “medical emergency” during the 26.2-mile race, which started at the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami, said a Miami Fire Rescue spokesperson.

The Miami New Times reported Autissier collapsed around the 19-mile mark and was from Boca Raton.

He was rushed to Mercy Hospital, but died. His cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but Miami police told the Miami Herald he possibly suffered a cardiac arrest. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office said Autissier’s cause of death is still pending.

According to Herald archives, Autissier’s death appears to be the first in the race’s 24-year history.

Life Time Miami, the organizer of the event, affirmed in a statement that medical, safety and weather-related protocols were in place. The organization also said it will “carefully review what occurred to ensure we are supporting the safety and well-being of our athletes.”

“The death of Mr. Autissier in our Miami Marathon is deeply felt, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.

This story was originally published January 28, 2026 at 5:32 PM.

Devoun Cetoute
Miami Herald
Miami Herald Cops and Breaking News Reporter Devoun Cetoute covers a plethora of Florida topics, from breaking news to crime patterns. He was on the breaking news team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2022. He’s a graduate of the University of Florida, born and raised in Miami-Dade. Theme parks, movies and cars are on his mind in and out of the office.
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