Known as “The Voice of Gauteng Road Running”, Pete’s warm words of encouragement will be sorely missed.
Thousands of runners have been deeply impacted by Pete’s passion, advice and kindness.

The Middelburg Observer spoke to Hein Koch, race organiser of the Loskop Marathon and long-time friend of Pete,

“Pete’s impact cannot be understated, he was a true gentleman and a genuinely humble man. I first met Pete when he was still an athlete, who had competed in a few Loskop Marathons himself. When we decided to change announcers, one of the applications we received was from Pete, and he just happened to be the perfect guy for the job. He was a proper professional, he wasn’t just a database reading off names. He would get to know the runners personally, offering advice and support that was tailor-made for that individual athlete. He would be able to predict the top performers of the Loskop Marathon because he had formed a bond with the runners and knew who was doing what in their training.”

This year would have marked Pete’s 20th anniversary of commentating the Loskop Marathon, a milestone Pete was excited to reach.

Hein told the Observer, “I last spoke to Pete in November, and he had several exciting ideas to implement in the 2024 Loskop Marathon. I asked him where he was, and he said he was at the hospital for something minor. That’s the type of guy he was, putting everyone else first.”

Pete was known as a kind and caring person, who kept even-keeled when others went haywire, Hein recalled, “In 2019, there was an issue the night before the race. A service delivery protest took place at Doornkop that was meant to interrupt the race. At 02:00, Pete phoned me and asked what was happening. After I told him the situation, Pete immediately told me to inform the runners of the situation and to keep them updated. The start of the race was delayed by an hour, but the runners remained cool, calm and collected throughout the whole ordeal and the race went off without a hitch, all thanks to Pete’s composure.”

Social media has been flooded with tributes, as the athletics community mourns the loss of an industry giant.

The following Facebook testimonials are a few excerpts of the kudos pouring in for the legend.

• “Woke up with very sad news this morning. Heaven has gained a legend and a legacy has been left behind here on earth. As a 15-year-old triathlete, you welcomed me for the first time over a finish line. Since that day you built an amazing bond with me and my family. I will always remember you as the human who believed in me as an athlete, you showed me the ropes of running commentary and always reminded me of the importance of family.” – Wikus Weber.

• “The loss of ‘The Voice of Gauteng Road Running’, condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Pete van der Merwe who is reported to have passed away last night.” – Norrie Williamson.

• “One of the most knowledgeable commentators in the athletics family, who will be missed by athletes and spectators, another sad loss to the sport. Wow, the end of an era as you lay to rest! Legends never die. You calling my name on the finish line will be missed. Pete van der Merwe you were so passionate and full of jokes, we will truly miss seeing you setting up at races. Condolences to your family, friends and all who knew you in the running fraternity.” – Candis Lubbe.