Mzamo Mthembu collapsed near Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, while running the Comrades Marathon. He was rushed to hospital, where he died a short while later.
Comrades runner Mzamo Mthembu dies: Here’s what we know
According to TimesLive, condolences poured in for Mthembu, who died after collapsing during the Comrades Marathon race on Sunday, 28 August 2022.
The death of Mthembu was confirmed on Monday by his running club, Hollywoodbets Athletics Club, through a Facebook statement.
“It’s a dark day! It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Hollywoodbets Athletics Club athlete Mzamo Mthembu who was doing Comrades Marathon yesterday.
“He had complications along the route and collapsed in Pinetown and was taken to Westville Hospital where he sadly passed away. Condolences to the entire #Purple family, Mthembu family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
Mthembu was among almost 16 000 (including 1 500 from foreign countries) runners to participated in the famous Comrades Marathon. The marathon was held for the first time after two years following the Covid-19 restrictions.
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The race started outside Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05:30 on Sunday morning.
Runner had 12 hours to complete the 89.885km distance before the final cut-off gun was fired. The race ended at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban at 17:30.
People react to the runner’s death
While the news of Mthembu’s death was sudden, it comes as a shock to many. Citizens and supporters have shared their condolenses on social media. The Comrades Marathon Association is yet to comment on the news.
A second runner hospitalised
An unidentified second runner is recovering in hospital after suffering serious health complications on the M13.
The runner was taken to hospital with the Netcare 7 specialised helicopter ambulance. No further details have been revealed.
