Runner Dies After Being Hit By a Driver During Florida Half Marathon
Runner's World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A tragic incident occurred during the Florida Half Marathon in Melbourne, where a driver veered onto the race course and struck runner Albert Jernigan “A.J.” Swann, who later died at age 74. The accident happened near the intersection of South Harbor City Boulevard and Hibiscus Boulevard, just less than a mile into the race on February 8. Police are investigating the incident but have not yet identified the driver or made an arrest.
The race director, Mitch Varnes, expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, emphasizing that safety is always a top priority for the event. The course featured standard safety measures, including closed lanes and police presence at key intersections. However, despite these precautions, the incident occurred in a section where one lane remains open to traffic while another is blocked for runners.
The Florida Half Marathon has a robust safety plan approved by local authorities, but this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with road races that share space with vehicular traffic. While organizers have implemented measures to secure the course, the tragedy highlights the importance of vigilance and underscores the need for ongoing evaluation of safety protocols in such events.
For fitness enthusiasts and runners, this incident raises questions about the balance between accessibility and safety in large-scale running events. It also serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers that can arise when public roads are repurposed for athletic competitions. As more people turn to long-distance running, understanding these risks and the steps organizers take to mitigate them becomes increasingly important.
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Originally published on Runner's World on 2/20/2026