Runner, 37, dies after collapsing at Kaapsehoop Marathon
Antonie van Zijl, 37, died on Saturday after collapsing during the 21km event at the Kaapsehoop 4-in-1 Marathon in Mpumalanga, and the running community is mourning him.
The running community in Mpumalanga is in mourning after a 37-year-old man died during the Kaapsehoop 4-in-1 Marathon on Saturday, 7 November, IOL reported.
The runner was named as Antonie van Zijl. He was taking part in the 21km walk/run event and had reportedly covered about 19km when he collapsed.
Attempts to save him
According to IOL, fellow runners and spectators rushed to help him. Emergency medical personnel then tried to resuscitate him for about 45 minutes, but they could not save him.
The Nelspruit Marathon Club confirmed the death in a statement. It said medical personnel had attended to him immediately and that the incident had affected the wider running community. The club sent condolences to his family, friends and fellow runners.
It also asked the public to respect the family’s privacy and dignity while they grieve. The club urged people not to share photographs or videos of the incident and not to speculate on social media about the cause of death. No cause has been given. The club said it would announce memorial and support arrangements once it had consulted the family.
Tributes
Oupa Pilane, national chairperson of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), also offered condolences. He said the organisation celebrates the economic contribution of the event but was saddened by the reported death of a runner.
Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Van Zijl. Rose-Marie Lange described him as far more than a boss. She remembered a man who cared about people and who regularly asked how they were doing. In her tribute she wrote that he made her feel she had value and that he supported her when she needed it.
Lange said she hoped to lead others with the same care and respect he showed her. She ended her message with the Afrikaans farewell “Rus sag”.
What happens next
For now, the club’s request is clear: leave the family in peace and avoid sharing images or theories online. Details of any memorial are expected from the Nelspruit Marathon Club after it has spoken to the family.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
