Runner dies after tree falls on her during CT Slave Route Challenge
While running near the 4 km mark, a tree suddenly fell onto the course, hitting a participant. The woman later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
Picture: Th G/Pixabay
CAPE TOWN - In a tragic turn of events, a woman competing in Cape Town’s annual Slave Route Challenge has died after a tree fell on her during the race.
The runner was among 8,000 other participants taking part on Sunday.
Race director, Zarina Meyer Brewer, confirmed the incident, which took place near the company’s garden area along the route.
While running near the 4 km mark, a tree suddenly fell onto the course, hitting a participant.
Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting the injured runner to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
Event organisers said they had contacted the runner's family.
“It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the tragic passing of a participant during the 2025 Slave Route Challenge. A freak accident occurred when a tree fell along the route, fatally injuring a runner. Despite immediate medical response, she sadly passed away in hospital.”
Meyer Brewer said the safety of participants has always been their top priority, adding that all safety and security protocols were followed and implemented ahead of and during the event.
The event's organisers are closely working with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances that led to this unforeseen accident.