The Tswelopele Kaapsehoop 4-in-1 Marathon was marred by tragedy on Saturday (November 7) when half-marathon participant Antonie van Zijl collapsed and died just kilometres from the finish line, reports Lowvelder.

Antonie, who was running alongside his wife, Danushca, had completed more than 16 kilometres of the 21.1km 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 three kilometres later – roughly 19km into the race – he collapsed on the tarmac.

Bystanders rush to assist

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.

In a video shared on Facebook, eyewitness Kyle Lluwelyn Singh described the scene on the route, recalling a woman he believed to be the runner’s wife was cradling him while surrounding athletes urgently called for medical aid.

Watch the video HERE

Emergency personnel responded swiftly. iSecure managing director Dewald Strydom confirmed that his team received the emergency call 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,” Strydom said.

“Unfortunately, after 45 minutes, there was no improvement and resuscitation efforts had to be stopped.”

Although news of the tragedy spread rapidly across social media platforms, Lowvelder had, until now, withheld the athlete’s name out of respect for the family.

Upon their request, the publication is currently withholding race photographs in its possession.

Tributes pour in following runner’s death

When contacted briefly, Danushca was understandably unable to speak to the media at this stage.

Messages of condolence have flooded social media following public acknowledgements from family members, including Antonie’s sister, Denise van Zijl.

In an official statement, the Nelspruit Marathon Club expressed profound sorrow over the loss.

“On behalf of the entire Nelspruit Marathon Club family, the executive committee, members and runners, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, fellow runners and the running community at this painful time,” said race secretary Apostle Never Nthani.

The club requested that the privacy and dignity of the family be respected during this difficult period, and not to speculate or publish any photographs.

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

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May the soul of our fellow runner rest in eternal peace,” Nthani added.

An official cause of death has not yet been formally confirmed.

A family spokesperson will be appointed today (November 9) and Lowvelder will publish more information once it becomes available.

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