A 37-year-old participant has died after collapsing during the 2026 Tswelopele Kaapsehoop 4-in-1 Marathon on Saturday, November 7.

Emergency response

The Nelspruit Marathon Club confirmed the death in an official statement, saying the participant had collapsed while taking part in the 21km walk/run. Medical personnel attended to the person immediately, but were unable to revive them.

iSecure managing director Dewald Strydom confirmed that his personnel responded to the incident at 09:16.

“I can confirm that we did resuscitate a male patient and provided all necessary treatment and techniques to ensure a positive outcome. Unfortunately, after 45 minutes, there was no improvement and resuscitation efforts had to be stopped. He was then declared dead at the scene,” said Strydom.

Club appeals for privacy

The club has not released the deceased’s name.

“On behalf of the entire Nelspruit Marathon Club family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, fellow runners and the wider running community,” the statement read.

The club appealed to the public to respect the family’s privacy and dignity by refraining from sharing photos or videos of the incident or speculating about the cause of death on social media.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the police were not aware of the incident.

“We don’t have records of such an incident at the Nelspruit or Ngodwana police stations,” Masondo told Lowveld Media.

Details regarding memorial and support arrangements will be communicated once the club has consulted with the family.

Lowveld Media will not publish the name or photographs of the deceased until the family have given their consent.