Condolences pour in for former Comrade’s runner Charlie Chase
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) and the athletics community bid farewell to 28-time Comrades finisher, Charlie Chase.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) was saddened by the news of the death of former Comrades Marathon gold medallist, Charlie Chase on Monday.
Chase was 90 years old and ran for Germiston Callies Harriers throughout his running career.
He ran his first Comrades in 1953 and achieved his personal best in the 1965 down run in a time of 6:19:24.
Chase went on to complete the ‘ultimate human race’ 28 times, with four gold, 16 silver and eight bronze medals to his name.
Chase has been described as a runner who took many novices under his wing and trained them in the art of long distance running.
He motivated and inspired many other athletes.
He was a proud member of the Comrades Marathon Green Number Club, having been inducted onto the Green Number Roll of Honour in 1966.
ALSO READ: Thandi Mdlalose on her last run
He earned eight Top 10 positions in the Comrades Marathon in an era when only the Top Six were awarded gold medals.
“Chase was one of those ever popular athletes who made his mark in the Comrades.
“His running record speaks for itself.
“He inspired many runners to participate in the Comrades and personally helped train and motivate them to achieve their Comrades medals.
“He will be greatly missed by many,” said Cheryl Winn, chairperson of CMA.
Former Comrades Marathon winner, Tommy Malone also shared Chase’s influence on his career with the CMA after hearing of his passing.
“Charlie loved running and loved life.
“Comrades and the running fraternity have lost one of the sport’s great characters.
“Charlie was a faithful member of Germiston Callies for many years.
“He ran all road race distances, as well as cross country in the winter.
“While not the fastest of athletes over the shorter distances, he would always catch the over ambitious runners towards the end of a race,” said Malone.
ALSO READ: Germiston Callies host their annual Comrades Breakfast send-off
Chase had an illustrious Comrades record and fellow athletes said he was always available for advice.
“Before my first Comrades I was very nervous and was looking for guidance and asked Charlie what I should eat the night before the race, ‘A big steak and a few beers,’ was the reply.
“I chose to ignore it.
“Rest in peace Charlie, thank you for many great memories and for all the beers we shared,” Malone added.
Among those sending their condolences was also Comrades runner, Leon van Wyk.
“Many athletes will remember Charlie Chase as being one of those much loved and very popular Comrades runners.
“He was a selfless and kind individual who put other people first and made it his life’s mission to inspire and motivate runners to give of their best.
“We will miss him,” he said.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.zaor Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
