The Bedfordview FIT2000 Athletics Club is mourning the death of one of its longest-standing members, Kosie van Vuuren (69), who died on April 10.
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Van Vuuren died from wounds sustained in a burglary at his residence in Bezuidenhout Valley on April 6.
His neighbour found him and alerted the authorities the next day.
The club was shocked to learn of the untimely and senseless passing of their member.
Paul Selby, the club’s president, described Van Vuuren as a hero for his passion for running.
“Kosie ate, slept and breathed running, around which his whole life revolved.
“Demanding absolute discipline and dedication, he notched up the most incredible accomplishments but will be remembered by most people for helping others achieve their goals.
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“He always pushed himself to the absolute limit.
“For him, tiredness and fatigue were not in his vocabulary,” stated Selby.
Throughout his career, he took on various marathons and accomplished them all.
He participated in the Comrades Marathon 27 times, achieving a personal best of 07:51, did 29 stints at the Two Oceans Marathon with a top time of 04:29 and competed 29 times in the 1 000km challenge.
“No matter how Kosie felt during an event, he always found time to offer a word of encouragement to others.
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“He often helped at neighbouring club events purely out of his desire to assist but would never dream of receiving compensation in any shape or form.
“Many athletes from the Bedfordview area will remember that Kosie was one of three runners traversing a 2.3km circuit around Oriel Park to complete the 90km Comrades Virtual Race during Covid-19 in 2021.”
Selby added that his legacy would live in all their memories.
“The one thing that would frustrate him was an injury that prevented him from finishing gruelling events such as the Comrades Marathon in recent years, but he would still be there, and it would never deter him or his training.
He would endure the pain and keep slogging along,” he added.
The family asked the club to host his memorial service and tribute, held on April 23.
His family said he would be missed by everyone because they all spoke of his selflessness and warmth.
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“As a family, there is always one member the family fusses about, and in this family, it was him.
“A running legend has fallen, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who had the opportunity to know him.
“Hamba kahle, Kosie. Until we meet again,” said his sister Joan
The club is putting together a dossier in his memory, and it will be free to those interested.
For enquiries, contact the club on fit2000-committee@googlegroups.com
