Comrades legend Betty Cavanagh dies at 89

It is with great sadness that the Estcourt running community learned of the passing of Betty Cavanagh, the first female to officially win the Comrades Marathon.

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The 89-year-old female pioneer has been described as humble, selfless and inspiring. She will be fondly remembered for the legend she was.

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is saddened by the news, as well as the many athletes she inspired, members of running clubs the Cavanagh couple founded and the community at large.

Former neighbour Debbie Andrade said, “We will always remember the lovely lady Betty was. I remember going over to have tea with her when she still resided in Estcourt. I wish to pass my deepest and sincere condolences to the family during this tough time.”

Belinda Smith, a former member of the Estcourt Athletics Club (EAC) which was founded by Mr and Mrs Cavanagh, also shared her sadness at the news, saying, “It is only because of the help and training from Betty that I could complete my first Comrades Marathon. She always offered advice and I feel honoured to have met the couple and had her mentor me. I owe many of my running success stories to Betty. Heartfelt condolences to the family and may you rest in eternal peace.”

Jenny Taylor, also a member of the EAC said, “She will be sadly missed for her enthusiasm, encouragement, sense of humour and selflessness. Betty was an incredibly talented runner and even when she herself couldn’t run, she would offer to do things like time-keeping. You will be missed by the running community you inspired and the larger community.”

• She was the first official winner of the 1975 Comrades Marathon, when they opened to all races.
• Betty Cavanagh’s name was the first to be engraved on the coveted Comrades Marathon Bowl.
• The couple founded Estcourt Athletic Club.
• The annual Cavanagh Marathon was founded and named after Mr and Mrs Cavanagh.
• Her most notable recent public appearance was the opening of the revamped Comrades Marathon Museum in 2016, when she donated her 1975 Comrades Winners Jacket to the museum.
• Betty successfully completed six Comrades Marathons, as well as having run four races unofficially, between 1970 and 1973.
• Her official personal best was achieved in 1978 in a time of nine hours and 53 minuets.
•  She holds six bronze medals.

Mrs Cavanagh will be laid to rest on Saturday. Her funeral service will be held at the St Vincent Catholic Church (41 Fisher Road, Pelham, Pietermaritzburg) at 10am.

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