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, Headingly, 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 event.

All four had passed the eight-mile mark. 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 who had set off ahead of her.

Onlooker 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."

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, including medical advice such as drinking enough water, needed to be updated.

Organisers said there was a comprehensive medical plan in operation on Sunday, which had been developed after years of analysis.

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

As well as 23 ambulances all fitted with defibrillators in case of heart attacks, the event also used paramedics on motorcycles to reach stricken runners as quickly as possible. Two field hospitals were also available.

In addition to 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 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 head Phil Lewis last night.

Father-of-two, Mr Lewis had worked at Moorside Community Technical College in Consett, County Durham, for 26 of his 29 years as a teacher, and was taking part in his 24th run.

He was a fit and keen sportsman who enjoyed playing football and skiing and played an active role in the school's extra curricular activities.

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

A physics teacher who rose to become the school's head of science, Mr Lewis was credited with being largely instrumental in the school achieving some of the best science results in the county.

Mr Lewis only missed the first Great North Run and will have raised thousands of pounds for good causes over the years, particularly Macmillan Cancer Relief, on whose behalf he was running at the weekend.

Mr Lewis lived in Elsdon Close, Chester-le-Street and leaves a wife Rose, and two adult children, John and Sharon.

A member of Mr Mahaffey's family at his York home said: ''We're were just devastated. We just can't believe what's happened.''

It is thought that the runners may have been overcome by the heat.