By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Hollywoodbets Athletics Club has confirmed the passing of one of its runners who collapsed while taking part in the Comrades Marathon.
“It is with a heavy heart (that we) announce the passing of Hollywoodbets Athletics Club athlete Mzamo Mthembu, from the Toti branch, who was doing the Comrades Marathon yesterday. He had complications along the route and collapsed in Pinetown and was taken to Westville Hospital where he sadly passed away,” the club said.
The club extended its condolences to Mthembu’s family and friends as well as the Hollywoodbets running fraternity.
Meanwhile, a second runner is recovering in hospital.
Netcare 911 said the Netcare 7, a specialised helicopter ambulance, was activated after a runner experienced serious health complications on the M13.
Comrades Marathon race director Rowyn James sent his condolences to the Mthembu family, from where he said their race doctor will go to the hospitals where athletes were admitted to get feedback.
“Our race doctor, as is our normal practice, goes to the various hospitals the day after the race and visits the athletes that were admitted,” James said.
“He’s doing that now and as we speak, he’s at the St Augustine’s Hospital and he said he’ll contact the Westville hospital where Mthembu was admitted to see what transpired.