Cape Town runner dies after tree falls on her during race
The organisers of Cape Town's annual Slave Route Challenge will not release the name of the 59-year-old woman runner who died on Sunday during the race after a tree fell on her.
The woman succumbed to injuries after the incident in which a tree fell on her along the race route in the Company's Garden.
She died in hospital after emergency services responded swiftly to the tragedy.
The organisers of the run, Brimstone Itheko Sport Athletics Club, said she was conscious at the time of the incident.
Race director Zarina Meyer-Brewer said the organisers have been in contact with her next-of-kin and, out of respect for their privacy, will not release her name or further details.
'She was not a member of any running club and entered the race under a temporary licence, as allowed by Western Province Athletics and Athletics South Africa regulations,' she said.
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CAPE TOWN - Organisers of Cape Town's annual Slave Route Challenge say they are working with authorities to establish the circumstances that led to the death of one of the participants during Sunday's race. This after a runner was struck by a tree near the 4km mark. Emergency services responded immediately, rushing the woman to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. More than 8,000 participants registered for the 13th edition of the road race, which tracks through Cape Town's historic landmarks and is a tribute to those who endured oppression and slavery. No other major incidents were reported at the event. Race director Zarina Meyer Brewer said: "We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and loved ones. We are holding them in our thoughts and offering our full support. "All safety protocols were observed in collaboration with the City of Cape Town and emergency services. This was an unforeseeable tragedy, and we are working with authorities to understand what happened. As a community, we mourn this devastating loss."
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4 days ago
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The organisers of Cape Town's annual Slave Route Challenge will not release the name of the 59-year-old woman runner who died on Sunday during the race after a tree fell on her. The woman succumbed to injuries after the incident in which a tree fell on her along the race route in the Company's Garden. She died in hospital after emergency services responded swiftly to the tragedy. The organisers of the run, Brimstone Itheko Sport Athletics Club, said she was conscious at the time of the incident. Race director Zarina Meyer-Brewer said the organisers have been in contact with her next-of-kin and, out of respect for their privacy, will not release her name or further details. 'She was not a member of any running club and entered the race under a temporary licence, as allowed by Western Province Athletics and Athletics South Africa regulations,' she said.
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5 days ago
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A woman has tragically died after a tree fell on her while competing in the 2025 Slave Route Challenge on Sunday. Event organisers said the incident took place along the race route in the Company's Garden area. 'Emergency services responded swiftly and transported the runner to hospital, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries. On behalf of the Slave Route Challenge Organising Committee, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the runner's family, friends, and loved ones. 'This is a devastating loss, and we are holding her family in our thoughts during this profoundly difficult time,' organisers said. Safety remains top priority Organisers added that the safety and well-being of every participant remains a top priority. 'All safety and security protocols were observed and implemented ahead of the event in close collaboration with the City of Cape Town and emergency services. 'This was a tragic and unforeseeable accident, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding it. Out of respect, we will not be releasing any further details,' event organisers said. Organisers further asked that the runners' family be respected at this time. 'The Slave Route Challenge is an event rooted in history, community, and resilience and today, we carry the memory of one of our own with us. We mourn her loss together as community,' organisers said. Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town also extended its condolences to the runner's family. 'This is a deeply tragic incident. We are working closely with the event organisers and the South African Police Service to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident,' the CoCT said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
