OFFICIALS last night defended safety on the Great North Run after it emerged that an ambulance had taken 45 minutes to reach a dying man.

Four people collapsed and died during Sunday's half marathon, which took place in unseasonably warm weather. Hundreds more needed medical attention.

The dead competitors were named as deputy headteacher Phil Lewis, 52, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham; Rueben Wilson, 28, of Carisbrook Road, Headingley, Leeds; Kieran Patching, 34, of Bellgrove Court, Chatham, Kent, and David Mahaffey, 43, of Croftway, York.

The men collapsed at different points along the 13-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields in the world's largest half-marathon.

All four had passed the eight-mile mark, and one was only two miles from the finishing line.

Although the event employs an army of doctors, nurses and volunteers, an ambulance still took 45 minutes to reach Mr Wilson.

Officials said the ambulance had been driving against the tide of competitors still running the event and could not go any faster.

Before it could arrive, Mr Wilson's sister came across medics trying to save him.

Naomi Bradbourne watched in horror as medical staff tried to resuscitate her brother, a company director from Leeds.

Sheila Milliken, who saw Mr Wilson collapse, said: "Someone came into my house and telephoned for an ambulance. We told the lady on the phone what was happening and it was three-quarters of an hour before an ambulance arrived."

A runner from Darlington criticised organisers after she reached the eight-and-a-half mile point only to find the water station had run dry.

The 40-year-old, who asked not to be named, said: "When I got there, there was no bottled water left and we were going uphill at that point.

"I was quite disgusted because we were having to pick half-drunk bottles off the ground just to get a drink. It was about that time we heard four or five ambulances go past."

Sports Minister Richard Caborn said the tragedies could prompt a review of advice given to fun runners by UK Athletics and Sport England.

Mr Caborn, who also completed the course, admitted information for runners needed to be updated.

Organisers said there was a comprehensive medical plan in operation on Sunday.

Spokesman David Hart said all four dead runners had been treated within two minutes of falling to the ground.

There were 23 ambulances fitted with defibrillators in case of heart attacks and paramedics on motorcycles to reach stricken runners as quickly as possible. Two field hospitals were also available.

As well as supplies at the start and finish, there were five water stations on the course and three mobile shower units.

The Red Cross said it had dealt with 1,100 casualties, with ailments ranging from blisters to cardiac arrest.

Chairman and founder of the event Brendan Foster said: "Myself and everyone associated with the event are saddened by the news that four people died during the Great North Run.

"At this time, our only thoughts are with their friends and families."

Organisers Nova International said the event's Safety Advisory Group had a comprehensive medical plan, which had been developed "after years of analysis in full consultation with all the relevant authorities".

Staff and pupils paid tribute to deputy headteacher Phil Lewis last night.

Father-of-two Mr Lewis had worked at Moorside Community Technical College, in Consett, County Durham, for 26 years. He was taking part in his 24th Great North Run.

Head Jonathan Morris said: "Phil Lewis was an inspiration to staff and pupils alike. He was tremendously well liked and highly respected."

At David Mahaffey's home in York, a member of his family said: "We are devastated."