A tragic incident marked this year’s Slave Route Challenge when a 59-year-old female runner died after she was struck by a falling oak tree during the Slave Route Challenge on Sunday 1 June.
The incident occurred when the tree fell along the race route in the Company’s Garden area.
Cape Town Police have launched an inquest docket for further investigation.
Lt Col Malcolm Pojie, provincial police spokesperson, said the incident happened at about 08:20 when a law enforcement officer witnessed how the tree fell across the walkway near Government Avenue.
According to Pojie, the woman was treated on the scene by medical personal and transported to hospital where she later died.
“Upon further inspection, they discovered that the runner was trapped under the tree, unresponsive. Medical assistance was on the scene immediately and she was later transported to hospital where she was unfortunately declared as deceased later.”
A participant, Zayaan Lakay said she and her family heard a loud bang just minutes after they passed the location where the incident took place.
“Everyone was running. Then we heard a loud bang. We weren’t sure what was happening. Next minute it was chaos. We saw a massive tree had fallen over.”
Lakay said at first, they were unaware that someone was trapped under the tree as she was covered in leaves.
“We continued with the race when emergency personnel arrived. She was still conscious. When we reached the end of the race we were told that the woman died. This is so sad. I still can’t wrap my head around it. It was such a fun run. It was a beautiful day, there was no wind and no rain.”
Zarina Brewer, race director, said in a press statement the woman took part in the 10km race and was not part of any running club.
“We can confirm that she was still conscious at the time of the incident but, despite medical attention, later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.”
Brewer said this is the first such in its 13-year history that an incident like this occurred.
“We wish to reassure the public that all safety protocols, as required by the City of Cape Town, were in place and adhered to throughout the event.”
According to Brewer, they were in contact with her next of kin but will not release her name out of respect for their privacy.
The Slave Route Challenge is held annually in Cape Town and pays tribute to the memory and resilience of those who endured the injustices of slavery, while celebrating the freedom, diversity, and unity of our nation today.
Launched in 2011, the event is organised by the Brimstone Itheko Sport Athletic Club and features a range of distances—including a half marathon (21.1km), 10km run, 10km walk, and a 5km fun run—making it accessible to participants of all fitness levels.
