Two athletes died while taking part in Sunday’s Comrades Race, organisers have confirmed.
In a statement, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) said, “it was saddened by the deaths of two athletes on Comrades race day, (28 August 2022)”.
CMA Race Doctor, Dr. Jeremy Boulter, confirmed the passing of the two runners who got into distress at two different points along the route.
Dr. Boulter said: “Phakamile Ntshiza (Race No. 53126) and Mzameleni Mthembu (Race No. 56904) had passed away”.
The doctor said the CMA has conveyed its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.
While details are still unknown, Ntshiza had reportedly passed away before he could be transported to a hospital.
He had been running close to the halfway mark when he felt unwell.
Comrades is the worlds largest and oldest ultramarathon. This year it was a 90,2km “Down Run” from Pietermaritzburg City Hall ending at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The other athlete Mthembu suffered a heart attack while running along the Pinetown stretch of the Comrades route.
He was taken to the Westville Hospital, where he later passed away.
CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo said: At this difficult time, we share our sympathy and condolences with the family, friends, and running mates of these two athletes.
“We will continue to have them in our thoughts and offer them our support as they deal with their loss.
Ngcobo added: We would also like to thank the medical staff and volunteers who assisted in quickly providing whatever assistance they could to these athletes.
