37-Year-Old Runner Dies During Kaapsehoop Marathon 21km Race

The running community is mourning the death of a 37-year-old runner who collapsed and died while participating in the 21km event at the Kaapsehoop Marathon 4-in-1 2026 on Saturday.

The runner, identified as Antonie van Zijl, passed away during the event on 7 November, prompting an outpouring of condolences from the Nelspruit Marathon Club.

In an official statement, the club confirmed that medical personnel attended to Van Zijl immediately after he collapsed along the route. However, despite their efforts, he could not be revived.

The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the annual Kaapsehoop Marathon, which brings together runners to participate in its various race distances.

The Nelspruit Marathon Club, on behalf of its executive committee, members and running community, expressed its condolences to Van Zijl’s family, friends and fellow runners.

The club has also appealed to members of the public and the broader running community to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult period.

It specifically urged people to refrain from sharing photographs or videos of the incident on social media, as well as speculating about the circumstances surrounding his death.

The club said further communication regarding memorial and support arrangements would follow after consultations with the family.

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

Van Zijl’s death is a devastating loss for his loved ones and the wider running community, with fellow runners and organisers left to mourn a life lost during an event that brings people together through their shared passion for the sport.