Midrand runner is remembered by the community after being killed in a hit-and-run
MIDRAND – Midrand Striders Club remembered one of its own members who was killed in a hit and run accident.
Members of the Midrand Striders Club ran the 10km Garsfontein Ice Breaker on 8 July in honour of one of its members Leon Baker who was recently killed in a hit-and-run accident.
Baker, who was also the men’s captain of the club, died after being knocked over on Summit Road on 4 July while he was doing his morning run.
“There was no better way to celebrate his life, contribution and pure love for our sport than to honour him by running the Garsfontein Ice Breaker,” said Midrand Striders Club chairman Tim Walwyn. The club also held a memorial service for Baker at the Building Blocks Preparatory School shortly after the race.
Communication officer for Midrand Striders Club Lwazi Khumalo said they would like to raise awareness about the many incidents of runners being run down on the roads. She added that Baker was the third runner to be killed on the road in a matter of few weeks after Nezaam Isaacs of Cape Town and Johannesburg’s Richard Monisi were also victims of hit-and-runs.
“Midrand Striders Club and the greater running community lost a great friend in running who was tragically killed by a taxi in a hit-and-run accident,” she said. “Leon contributed selflessly for many years as a dedicated committee member to make Midrand Striders the club it is today and will always be remembered as one who went above and beyond for everyone else and in every area of life.”
Runners also posted messages of condolences on the club’s social media page. Sibusiso Jele wrote, ‘Oh no. What a loss to Striders and the wider running community. Leon helped many of us to achieve our goals through his life changing story and role at Midrand Striders.’
Brendan Dunn shared some memories. ‘I had the pleasure of running with Leon at Dischem 21km in 2014 in the Midrand Striders sub 1:45 bus. He was a remarkable runner, Comrades Silver medalist and regular [nearly weekly] sub 40 minute 10km. My condolences go out to Leon’s family, friends and club mates. A remarkable man taken too soon.’
Siyavuya Mthimkhulu Thomas said, ‘Oh no. I know this guy, we were running together in last year’s Sabs Jacaranda, he was doing 21km, I was doing 42km. It felt like we knew each other for a very long time as we were sharing a nice pace together, talking while we were running, May his soul rest in peace, and condolences to the family.’
What should be done to eradicate hit-and-run incidents of runners on the roads? Tweet @MidrandReporter
