Tributes paid to man, 24, who died during Cardiff Half Marathon

Tributes have been paid to an "active, fit and full of life" runner who died during the Cardiff Half Marathon.

Event organisers Run4Wales said Ross Williams-Griffiths, 24, from Bargoed, Caerphilly, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during the event on 4 October.

It said Ross ran the half marathon with his girlfriend Katie, with the pair known affectionately as "Team Griff-Bow", for Welsh cancer charity Tenovus Cancer Care.

His family said Ross was "kind, caring and full of life, and brought laughter, loyalty and warmth wherever he went".

Ross had built a promising career with GE Aerospace and had a bright future ahead of him, his family said.

He "approached everything with enthusiasm and determination, whether he was playing football, golf, snowboarding, bodyboarding or training for his next running challenge," they said.

"Ross was kind, generous and hard-working, a friendly face who never had a bad word to say about anyone."

They added he had "a unique ability to make people feel welcome wherever he went".

The family said Ross had trained for the half marathon with "commitment, enthusiasm and careful preparation".

"While we are yet to learn the exact cause of Ross' death, we hope that sharing his story may raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest," they said.

"If raising awareness in Ross' memory helps even one family avoid the heartbreak we are experiencing, then that will be part of his lasting legacy."

Ross' running club, South Wales Striders, said he "always had a smile on his face".

Paying tribute to him on Instagram, they said: "Ross attended our club runs alongside his girlfriend, brother and future sister-in-law, and always had a smile on his face - he truly loved running.

"He was a pleasure to run with, and we feel so grateful to have known him."

The club urged runners to consider having a heart health check, with charities like Calon Hearts offering free screenings for those aged under 27.

Matt Newman, chief executive of Run4Wales, said: "The loss of a runner at one of our events is felt deeply by all involved, and our focus remains on supporting Ross' loved ones in any way we can.

"We thank Ross' family for sharing his story during such a difficult time.

"We hope that the awareness they wish to raise in his memory will honour a young man who meant so much to so many people."