The runner collapsed near Pen y Fan. Photo: Kenneth Yarham CC-BY-SA-2.0

Mountain rescuers warned hillgoers to make sure they have plenty of liquid with them after a fellrunner collapsed in the Brecon Beacons.

The 19-year-old was on the same route that saw three Army reservists die during exceptionally hot weather last year.

He collapsed yesterday near Pen y Fan and had to be given intravenous fluids after suffering hyperthermia.

The teenager, from the Cardiff area, was out running with two friends when he collapsed on the ridgeline above the Cwm Crew valley.

Brecon and Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Teams were called to the scene by Dyfed Powys Police. They were met by one of the runner’s friends who guided them to his fallen companion.

A Brecon MRT doctor administered a litre of fluids by IV-drip and the man was carried by stretcher off the mountain by the rescue teams.

Dave Coombs, deputy team leader of Brecon MRT, said: “None of the group members were carrying water and the casualty was suffering from hyperthermia – overheating of the body caused by the hot temperatures and dehydration.

“It’s almost a year since three Army reservists died of the same condition after collapsing during SAS selection tests on that same route.

“We would like to remind anyone walking or running in this warm weather to take plenty of fluids with them and remember to drink them.

“We were able to reach the casualty very quickly thanks to his companions and once he was given intravenous fluids he made a full recovery. Had he been alone the outcome would have been very different.”

The runner was allowed to return home to rest by doctors at the end of the 2½-hour rescue operation.