Condolences have been flooding in on social media after the organisers of the Trappers 4Peaks Mountain Challenge confirmed that an athlete tragically lost his life at the race on Saturday. Christel Basson, General Manager of Mahareng Publishing, said that as media sponsor of an elite event like the 4Peaks Mountain Challenge, “we realise how hard the organisers have to work to prevent any tragedy from happening.”
Basson said everyone at Bloemfontein Courant is extremely saddened by the tragedy. She explained that Adrian Saffy, event organiser, contacted her shortly after the athlete had passed away, as it is protocol to inform sponsors as soon as possible.
“Over the last few years of our involvement in this event, we know how important the safety and well being of the athletes are to Pure Adventures. Therefore they especially put safety and medical measures in place for this. We mourn the loss of the athlete and our condolences go out to his family,” she said. Bloemfontein Courant is committed to partner with Pure Adventures on their events as it has always been.
In a statement Pure Adventures, the race organisers, said the gentleman collapsed on the route only 1km from the finish line. The paramedics were dispatched immediately and treatment was administered but unfortunately they were not able to stabilise the athlete who then unfortunately passed away.
