THE Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has expressed its sadness over the deaths of two athletes on Comrades race day, Sunday, August 28.
CMA race doctor, Doctor Jeremy Boulter, confirmed the passing of the two runners who got into distress at two different points along the route.
Boulter confirmed that Phakamile Ntshiza and Mzameleni Mthembu had passed away, and has conveyed his condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.
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While details are still unknown, Ntshiza had reportedly passed away while running close to the halfway mark before he could be transported to hospital.
Mthembu had suffered a heart attack while running along the Pinetown stretch of the Comrades route. He was taken to the Westville Hospital, where he later passed away.
“At this difficult time, we share our sympathy and condolences with the family, friends and running mates of these two athletes. We will continue to have them in our thoughts and offer them our support as they deal with their loss,” CMA chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo said.
“We would also like to thank the medical staff and volunteers who assisted in quickly providing whatever assistance they could to these athletes.”
