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Past Comrades Marathon winner George Claassen has died at the age of 97, the Comrades Marathon Association said in a statement on Wednesday.
FILE PICTURE: The sun rises over runners competing in the 89th Comrades Marathon, 01 June 2014, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The annual ultra-marathon attracted over 18,000 runners from around the world to partake in the 89km race. Picture: Alaister Russell
Past Comrades Marathon winner George Claassen has died at the age of 97, the Comrades Marathon Association said in a statement on Wednesday.
The 1961 Comrades Marathon winner was a notable member of the Comrades Green Number Club.
During his Comrades running years — 1960 to 1977 — Claassen earned two gold medals, four silver and four bronze, claiming third position in 1960 and winning the title in 1961.
Former CMA chairman and Green Number Club convenor, Barry Varty reflected on news reports of the 1961 race and said the Claassen family had, over the years, made a significant contribution to the CMA.
“George Claassen was greeted by Vic Clapham, founder of the Comrades Marathon, as he crossed the finish line. It was a great moment,” Varty said.
“George is the father of Wynand Claassen, the Springbok rugby captain from 1981 to 1984. Wynand was also involved in the restoration of Comrades House for the official opening in 1988. There is a plaque at Comrades House to this effect.”
He said Claassen would be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A memorial service would be held for Claassen at 11am on Monday at the NG Kerk, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town.
