Runner Dies in His Sleep Hours After Comrades Marathon

Durban – A man has died in his sleep, just hours after taking part in the 94th edition of the Comrades Marathon.

Sonnyboy Ngobeni, 55, travelled back to his home in Limpopo with a group of friends. They dropped him 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,” Delaine Cools, Comrades Marathon spokesperson said.

Ngobeni is said to have been in good shape when he finished the marathon, and when he was dropped off at his home. He had ran for the University of Limpopo Running Club. It was his second time participating in the marathon.

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.”

Ngobeni will be buried on Saturday at Mamaila Village, Limpopo.