Athletes will gather at Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday (November 11) to pay tribute to Antonie van Zijl, who died during the Tswelopele Kaapsehoop 4-in-1 Marathon on Saturday.

“We will gather at Mbombela Stadium at 05:00, where we will walk together to the place where Antonie took his final steps. There, we will pause for a moment of prayer and reflection, lay flowers, and pay our respects to Antonie and his family,” said SA Men First Foundation chairperson Sipho Zitha.

“We shall have a moment to honour his life, his love for running, and the memory he leaves behind,” said Zitha.

“In a particularly meaningful gesture, Tswelopele Funerals will lead the tribute procession with the 21km lead vehicle from the Kaapsehoop Marathon – the very race in which Antonie took his final steps.”

The security company iSecure is expected to accompany and guide the running community as they walk together to pay respects to Van Zijl.

Memorial run details

“Following the tribute, we will continue with a 5km memorial run, heading up towards Sabie/Lydenburg Road, turning around at 2.5km and returning to the stadium. This is not about racing, clubs, or finishing times. It is about standing together as one running family, remembering a fellow athlete and showing his loved ones that they are not alone in their loss,” said Zitha.

“We kindly ask everyone to bring a flower to lay in Antonie’s honour. His final race may have ended, but his memory will continue to run alongside us.

“Our heartfelt gratitude to Antonie’s family for allowing us this opportunity to honour him, and to Nelspruit Marathon Club, Tswelopele Funerals, iSecure and our running community for coming together with such compassion and respect. Rest in peace, Antonie van Zijl,” concluded Zitha.

Van Zijl collapsed and passed away just kilometres from the finish line.

ALSO READ: Kaapsehoop Marathon tragedy: Runner identified following fatal collapse

Antonie, who was running alongside his wife, Danushca, had completed more than 16km of the 21km course before suffering a fatal medical emergency.

RaceTec timing records confirm that Antonie passed the 10km split in 01:41:39 and reached the 16km checkpoint at 02:27:52.

Approximately 3km later, about 19km into the race, he collapsed on the tarmac.

According to eyewitnesses and video footage recorded shortly after the collapse, fellow runners and spectators immediately rushed to assist Antonie while emergency medical personnel were alerted.

Watch the video HERE

Emergency personnel responded swiftly, with iSecure managing director Dewald Strydom confirming that his team received the emergency call at 09:16.

Strydom also confirmed that iSecure will take part in the tribute run.