Latest news with #SlaveRouteChallenge
The Herald
2 days ago
- General
- The Herald
Cape Town runner dies after tree falls on her during race
' We confirm she was conscious at the time of the incident, but despite medical attention, later succumbed to her injuries in hospital. 'We reassure the public that all safety protocols, as required by the City of Cape Town, were in place and adhered to throughout the event. This is the first such incident in the 13-year history of the Slave Route Challenge and it is being regarded as a tragic and unforeseen occurrence.' The organisers extended condolences to the runner's family and loved ones. According to the organisers, the Slave Route Challenge is an event rooted in history, community and resilience. The city expressed its condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the runner. It said c ity officials and emergency services were alerted to an incident along Government Avenue where an oak tree unexpectedly fell, obstructing the route and seriously injuring a participant. TimesLIVE
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Slave Route Challenge organisers, authorities investigating circumstances that led to runner's death
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."
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
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.
News24
3 days ago
- General
- News24
Runner dies after being struck by a tree
A woman died after being hit by a tree during the Slave Route Challenge this weekend. The 13th annual challenge took place on Sunday in Cape Town. Brewer, one of the organisers, said they are supporting the family in every way possible while also cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. A woman runner has tragically died after a tree unexpectedly fell in the Company's Garden area during the 13th annual Slave Route Challenge on Sunday in Cape Town. The incident happened while the woman was participating in the popular road race with 8 000 runners. The race aims to promote health, fitness, community participation and heritage awareness. Slave Route Challenge organiser Zarina Meyer Brewer said: 'It's a celebration of diversity and unity while also honouring the city's complex history, particularly the legacy of slavery in Cape Town'. According to Brewer, the incident happened during the 10- kilometre race along Government Avenue in the Company's Garden area, a historic public precinct in the heart of Cape Town. A tree unexpectedly fell on the route, striking the participant. Brewer added that despite the swift response of emergency services and transferring the victim to the hospital, the runner sadly passed away. The Company's Garden and its surrounding public spaces fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Cape Town, which is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the area. Regarding the possibility of compensating the family of the deceased, Brewer said they are focusing on supporting the family in every way possible while also cooperating fully with relevant authorities. Any compensation discussions are private and sensitive and will be handled respectfully through the proper channels. Although 8000 people took part in the event across all race categories, Brewer said the completion numbers are still being consolidated, even though many registered participants completed their respective distances. According to Brewer, the Slave Route Challenge is more than a sports event; it is a cultural and commemorative annual road running and walking event that includes multiple distances, typically a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km run/big walk and a 5km fun run/walk to make it accessible to people of all fitness levels and ages. In this year's challenge, runners ran through landmarks that tied to the city's history of slavery and resilience, from the Slave Tree, District Six, Bo-Kaap, to Pentz Street, fondly dubbed 'Koesister Hill' in the Bo Kaap.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Woman dies after tree falls at Slave Route Challenge
A female runner died while taking part in the annual race on Sunday. A woman has died after a tree fell on her while she was running the 2025 Slave Route Challenge on Sunday. Event organisers said the tragic incident took place along the race route in the Company's Garden area, striking the woman. "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. Organisers added that the safety and well-being of every participant remains a top priority.
