Runner dies in his sleep hours after running the Comrades Marathon – Runner’s World (UK)

A runner in South Africa has died in his sleep after the 94th Comrades Marathon. The 55-mile ultra marathon took place on Sunday 9 June and initially, no fatalities were reported.

Runner Sonnyboy Ngobeni, aged 55, had finished the race for the second time and travelled back with friends to his home in Limpopo, South Africa the day after the race. Comrades Marathon spokesperson, Delaine Cools, told local press he was dropped off at his home on Monday evening.

“When Ngobeni failed to answer telephone calls on Tuesday morning, friends managed to eventually break into his house to find that he had passed away in his sleep,” Cools said.

According to reports, Ngobeni was in good conditions travelling back home.

Cheryl Winn, Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) chairperson, said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Mr Ngobeni. This was his second Comrades Marathon, at which he achieved his Comrades Back-to-Back medal. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and running club members.”