Comrades Marathon’s ugly side: two runners reported dead

Sihle Mkhize

While the country is celebrating Tete Morena Dijana’s Comrades Marathon heroics, at least two families are mourning the death of their loved ones who died during the race. 

The race is known around the world as the ultimate test of human endurance, was held in Pietermaritzburg and Durban on Sunday. 

But when the dust settled on the excitement and celebration of those who triumphed, news of the deaths started filtering through. 

A Facebook post by Chumile Sali reported that one of the thousands of runners Phakamile “Para” Ntshiza had not made it to the end of the race. 

“We tracked Phakamile Para Ntshiza’s progress on the website. At 43.9km, there were no further updates,” wrote Sali.

“We concluded that he gave up and took the Comrades Marathon bus. (But) He did not finish the Comrades Marathon race. He finished the race of life. He collapsed and passed away.

“It’s difficult to accept your death Phaks Ntshiza. Rest in peace mfowethu (my brother),” added Sali. 

Popular running club, Hollywoodbets Running, also reported that one of their runners had died during the race. 

“It’s a dark day!,” wrote the club on Facebook. “It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Hollywoodbets Athletics Club athlete Mzamo Mthembu (from the Toti branch) who was doing the the race yesterday. 

“He had complications along the route and collapsed in Pinetown. And he was taken to Westville Hospital where he sadly passed away. 

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“Condolences to the entire #Purple family, Mthembu family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.” 

The Comrades Marathon is a yearly race that is run over 89 kilometres between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. 

It had not been run in the past two years due to Covid-19 regulations and restrictions. The Comrades Marathon attracts thousands of runners from across the globe.