RIP | Runner, 37, dies during Kaapsehoop Marathon

Antonie van Zijl, 37, died after collapsing during the 21km race at the Kaapsehoop 4-in-1 Marathon in Mpumalanga on Saturday, 7 November.

Medical personnel rushed to assist Van Zijl but could not revive him.

Nelspruit Marathon Club confirmed the death in a statement, expressing its condolences to his family and the wider running community.

Medics fight to save runner

According to a report, emergency responders received a call at approximately 09:16.

iSecure managing director Dewald Strydom said his team spent about 45 minutes trying to resuscitate the runner before declaring him dead at the scene.

The cause of death remains unconfirmed.

Sister and fellow runners pay tribute

Van Zijl’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences on the Nelspruit Marathon Club’s Facebook page.

His sister, Denise Van Zijl, responded to the club’s announcement. “Thank you it was my brother,” she wrote.

Fellow runner Loretta Fortuin described the news as devastating. “Our bodies are bruised and we might not be happy with the times we ran today, but nothing can compare to this sad news about a fellow runner who passed on during the race today.”

Millz Sotobe wrote that the runner had answered his call while doing what he loved.

Grace Phosa also offered condolences, writing: “May the family find solace in God almighty.”

Marathon club mourns

Nelspruit Marathon Club paid tribute to Van Zijl and extended its condolences to his loved ones.

“Today, the running community has lost more than a participant. We have lost a fellow athlete, a companion on the road, and a member of our wider running family,” the club said.

The club urged the public to respect the family’s privacy and avoid sharing images or videos of the incident.

The annual Kaapsehoop 4-in-1 Marathon attracts thousands of runners and serves as a qualifying event for the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon.