Race director sends condolences to family of marathon runner

Sixty-year-old marathon runner, Jeremiah Sithole, died on February 11 while competing in the Pick n Pay Marathon.

Also read: Runner dies with finish line in sight

Sithole, of the Soweto Athletics Club, was participating in the 21.1 km event.

Bruce King, race director of the Pick and Pay Marathon presented by Momentum, said Sithole collapsed 40 metres from the finish line on February 11.

“The event’s medical team responded and initialized advanced life support treatment,” said King.

“The team continued to treat Sithole on scene for 30 to 40 minutes.”

Sithole was transported to Netcare Linksfield Hospital by ambulance.

Resuscitation continued on route to the hospital.

“Unfortunately Sithole died at the hospital,” said King.

“The sponsors and organisers are deeply saddened, and extend their condolences to Sithole’s family, friends and to the larger running community.”

King encouraged athletes, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions or the flu, to consult their doctor before partaking in endurance events.

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