Mark Lear collapsed above Clogwyn station on Snowdon while taking part in the international race. Photo: David Davies

A police force has apologised to the family of a man who died during a mountain race at the weekend.

North Wales Police issued a statement following the death of Mark Lear who collapsed during the International Snowdon Race on Saturday. He was treated at the scene by fellow runners and race organisers and then airlifted to Ysybty Gwynedd in Bangor, but was pronounced dead.

Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team chairman Elfyn Jones told the BBC at the weekend: “Safety for the race was excellent and we have to commend the organisers for that.

“There were two mountain rescue teams, Aberglaslyn and North East Wales Mountain Rescue, on the race course, and I believe there were five doctors and two paramedics as well.

“It was as good safety preparation as I have ever seen.”

But North Wales Police Inspector Neil Maxwell of North Wales Police said: “We urge members of the public who walk on the mountains to take extreme care and make sure they are properly equipped.

“They should ensure that someone knows where they are planning to walk, that they have the experience and capability to deal with the location they have chosen.”

Now, the force has issued a statement saying no criticism of Mr Lear or the organisers was intended. A North Wales Police spokesperson today said: “The Snowdon race is an established international annual event with competitors entering from both the UK and abroad, many of whom are very experienced sportspeople.

“As with all adventurous activity, including those that are well planned and organised, there are many elements that may influence events on the day, and unfortunately accidents can occur.

“North Wales Police issued a previous press release in relation to the event and reminded all users of the mountains to take extreme care.

“In doing so North Wales Police did not intend to infer that either Mark Lear, who passed away whilst undertaking the event, or the organisers of the event were in any way at fault. North Wales Police extend their condolences to Mark’s family and apologise for any offence caused.

“North Wales Police continue to work with both the local mountain rescue teams and the Snowdonia National Park Authority in an endeavour to make the mountains a safe place for all to enjoy.”

• The force said today it was increasingly concerned for the safety of a walker who has been missing since Monday.

Major searches were carried out yesterday, throughout the day, involving the police helicopter, mountain rescue teams, Search and Rescue Dogs Association, the RAF helicopter and the RAF mountain rescue team.

Forty MRT members had been searching since 5.30am on Tuesday for 46-year-old Keith Webster, from the Liverpool area. He was last seen in Llanberis on Monday at about 10.15am.

A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: “Search teams have now exhausted all potential avenues, and the searches have been suspended for the time being pending further information resulting from police enquiries.”

He is believed to be wearing a brown jacket and jeans, black trainers and carrying a small back rucksack.

Anyone who may have seen him or who may know of his whereabouts is asked to contact North Wales Police on 0845 607 1001 – Welsh line – or 0845 607 1002 – English line.

Alternatively you can send a text message to 66767 or email: northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk