Tributes pour in for four runners killed in car crash after marathon

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Four runners sadly lost their lives after taking part in the Best of the Best Marathon 2025 in Durban on Sunday, reported IOL on 4 March 2025.

After the tragic incident, tributes have poured for the marathon runners. Those who knew them have shared their fond memories of them alongside condolences to their families and loved ones.

FOUR RUNNERS KILLED IN CAR CRASH

The sudden death of the four runners has left the running community in shock. Siraj Mbale, Adolph Ramalanzwa (O’deal), Seza Phiri and Mbali Khanyi Hlatshwayo were on their way home in Johannesburg when tragedy struck.

The late runners were said to have had a close relationship with each other. Some have expressed on social media how heart-breaking it is that they all died in the same crash.

Organisers of the Best of the Best Marathon have since issued a statement extending their condolences to the families of the deceased.

“As the Best of the Best Marathon organising team and Ama-Ravens Athletics Club, we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, and the running community.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss and are in the process of reaching out to the families to offer our support and gather details regarding their memorial services.

“To the families, friends, and teammates of these runners, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in the memories shared, and may their souls rest in peace,” the statement read.

TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR FOUR RUNNERS KILLED IN CAR CRASH

Tributes are pouring in after the untimely death of the four runners. Here are some of them below.

@Letebem: “I don’t see how we will recover from this. Hai.”

@MirandzM: “My heart is torn, I’m shattered, my pain is deep. I’m hurt and I’m not taking this very well. Rest in peace.”

@ravhathu: “The crazy chats after the races, the loud laughter, the kindness, thier warm heart.”

@Toddinho24: “This is so heartbreaking. Seza was having a season of his life… On Sunday he named his PB run “season finale” Kante. Od, what a guy, he’d find something positive when I’m crying in my stories, hypeman of note. Laidback yet hardworking dude. Condolences to their families.”

@sociable_weaver: “Our friendship was short but I won’t forget you. I love that you desperately wanted to be better. You lacked patience but we were working on that. @OdealTheGreat you were swimming against the current, where most fear to go! RIP brother.”

@NtebogengK80: “Tragic indeed… May her Soul and the other fallen Running Comrades rest in God’s precious Peace…May their families be comforted and strengthened as they prepare to honour and celebrate their lives…Shate.”