http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Youth-dies-during-police-recruitment/articleshow/10835495.cms
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-01-01/allahabad/28148565_1_police-recruitment-drive-youth-awadesh-kumar-vijeta
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/wire-news/youth-dies-during-police-constable-recruitment-test_603133.html
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/youth-dies-during-police-recruitment/748524.html
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/wire-news/youth-dies-during-police-recruitmenthingoli_620934.html
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/youth-dies-during-police-recruitment-test-in/562428/
The above are some of the several news reports about the death of job aspirants while taking part in the physical endurance test (marathon/running). Though many of these unfortunate are weak and not maintaining good health, out of personal compulsions to get job to feed their families, they took part in the test and died due to heart attack, physical exertion, strain, etc. It is reported that in one state, the authorities changed the test timings from day time to morning 0500 hr so as to complete the test by 0830 hr.
The team of doctors available at the test centre can do little in case of persons already having medical problems suffer from exertion, chest pain, etc during the run test.
The purpose of the test can't be questioned as it is expected that only physically fit persons can withstand the tough requirements of police job. To avoid such deaths, all job aspirants should undergo true medical examination and are certified for the run. It requires both self assessment and medical examination as if we do not tell the doctor about our health problems, a realistic assessment can't be done unless a thorough medical checkup is done which costs a lot.
Apart from the above, today there is a news report (see the link below), wherein a person died after workout in the gym. It is reported that the person might have died because of chemical reaction of the tablet he took as pain killer for backache after the gym workout.
http://expressbuzz.com/cities/hyderabad/techie-dies-after-workout/336064.html
All above incidents point to straining oneself for different reasons and one should participate in test runs or have workout in gym or in such similar activities only after getting medical fitness examination and based on the advise of the physician.