Pictured: British female triathlete who died after suffering a heart attack during Ironman event in Costa del Sol

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A British woman triathlete who died after taking part in a grueling Ironman event in a Costa del Sol holiday resort has been named as Sharon Lang.  

The athlete, who is from Plymouth, Devon, was rushed to hospital on Sunday after going into cardiac arrest during the swimming part of the three-sport event in Marbella.

She later died in hospital and friends have now paid heartfelt tributes to her. 

Sharon Lang has been named as the British female triathlete who died after suffering a heart attack during an Ironman event

Sarah Fulton said: 'Lost for words hearing the news of an old school friend tragically passing.

'Rest in peace Sharon Lang.

'One of the nicest people I knew from school. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and loved ones. Sleep tight.'

The athlete, who is from Plymouth, Devon, was rushed to hospital on Sunday after going into cardiac arrest during the swimming part of the three-sport event

She later added on Facebook: 'She was such a supportive friend with words and always took the time to message me, leave positive comments with things I was going through.

'Seriously one of the sweetest people ever. I'm blessed and lucky to have known her.

Ms Lang was competing in the female 40-44 age section of the Ironman 70.3 Marbella with race number 599.

Her friends have paid tribute to her with one saying she was 'such a supportive friend'

She is thought to have been out in Spain with a friend who also took part.

Team H Running Plymouth, a team of runners from her home city, posted a message on Facebook alongside a picture of Ms Lang which said: 'It was so sad to learn that our great friend Sharon Lang passed away, tragically doing something she loved.

'All of our loves and thoughts are with Sharon's family and her friend Kirsty who was with Sharon in Spain.

Ms Lang (pictured) was competing in the female 40-44 age section of the Ironman 70.3 Marbella

'Perhaps when the the time is right and with Kirsty's input and blessing we as a running community in Plymouth can get together and run together as a whole in honour of our friend.'

One well-wisher replied: 'Indeed would be a fitting tribute to a very lovely bubbly lady who will be sorely missed but never forgotten.'

Marcos Pastor, a competitor in Sunday's race, added: 'All my thoughts to family and friends. Sadly I was there and I just know it extra-officially.'

Team H Running Plymouth, a team of runners from her home city, posted a message on Facebook where they said they might host an even in her memory 

It is understood Ms Lang was found floating face down in the water and pulled onto a dinghy before being brought ashore following desperate attempts to revive her.

A local investigating judge will now probe her death.

Local reports said she remained 'brain dead' until eventually passing away at the Costa del Sol Hospital near Marbella town center.

Contestants compete in the swimming leg of the Ironman 70.3 Marbella on Sunday. A woman has died after going into cardiac arrest during the three-sport event

Ironman 70.3 Marbella attracted 2,500 athletes from around the world and offered 50 qualifying slots for the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in South Africa.

The event consisted of a 1,900 meter swim followed by a 90 kilometer bike ride and a half-marathon.

Brit David McNamee won the event, which started and finished in Puerto Banus, and the first woman over the line was German Laura Philipp.

David McNamee (pictured centre) of Great Britain crosses the line to win IRONMAN 70.3 Marbella

Earlier this month triathlete dad Gary Ennis died after suffering serious head injuries in a high-speed cycle crash during training for an Ironman.

 He was thrown from his bike while cycling in Wigan.

The popular 42-year-old spent nearly two weeks fighting for his life after he was rushed to hospital in an air ambulance with head and face injuries on April 8. He died on April 21.

A family statement about Mr Ennis, from Burscough, West Lancashire, read: 'The Ennis family has been devastated by this tragic cycling accident.

Athletes arrive in Puerto Banus ahead of the competition in which 2,500 people competed

'Gary put his heart and soul into his Ironman training and would have been a fine competitor at the event later in the year.

'We have lost the most kind and generous husband, son and brother who always found time for everyone.

'He was the perfect gentleman and friend to all he met.