OBITUARY – ALEN HATTINGH
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is saddened by news of the passing of Alen Hattingh nearly a month ago. He was 72 years old.
Alen was a dedicated volunteer on the Comrades Marathon Novice Hospitality portfolio and a former CMA Board member, of which he served for a total of six years. He also chaired the CMA’s CSI & Charities Committee.
Alen was known for his warm smile, tireless energy, and the genuine care he showed to runners and fellow volunteers. He always had a kind word to share and never lost sight of the bright side of life.
His unwavering commitment and passion for the Comrades Marathon were truly inspiring. His contributions over the years have left an indelible mark on the event and the road running community.
His dedication went beyond the Comrades Expo and race day; he was involved in the provincial athletics federation, KwaZulu-Natal Athletics and lived to serve the sport of athletics.
Beyond his volunteer work, Alen was a beloved friend, and family member. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him and in the countless runners who benefited from his dedication.
CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo says, “Cuz, as I affectionately referred to him, was an epitome and resemblance of passion and dedication to the sport of athletics. Alen never allowed his disability to be an impediment to his dedication to serving the sport of athletics. He was one of those CMA Board members who welcomed me when I joined the Board and ensured that my tenure as a Board member was enjoyable.”
He adds, “Alen remained a passionate member of both our ROC and Board Committees even post his tenure as a Board member. I will miss his emails every Sunday where he, without fail, shared road running results across the province. Condolences to the family, relatives, friends and the running community. We are poorer without Alen. Rest well, Crocodile. You shall be sorely missed.”
Former CMA Chairperson, Cheryl Winn says, “Alen’s love affair with athletics and the Comrades Marathon began 45 years ago as a teenager with the Ladysmith Athletics Club. On 17 March 1973, tragedy struck while he was on his way to participate in the Bluff Marathon in preparation for what would have been his first Comrades Marathon. The vehicle he was in was struck in a hit and run accident on Field’s Hill, killing his brother-in-law instantly and throwing Alen out of the vehicle severing his spine. He was not yet 21 years old.”
“After spending many months in hospital, he made his way back to the Ladysmith Athletics Club’s weekly time trial and soon became the official timekeeper of the time trials, later the club secretary and eventually a life member and honorary vice president of Ladysmith AC. Around 1980 Alen moved to Pinetown and met Charlene, a nurse who has remained steadfast at his side. One of the first things he did when he arrived in Pinetown was become instrumental in the launch of a new athletics club, the Queensburgh Harriers. He then spent another 10 years in various capacities, in recognition of which he was later also rewarded life membership.”
Cheryl adds, “In 1990 Alen moved to the Westville Athletics Club, where he remained an active member and served as a road captain, cross-country captain and vice chairperson. Alen was a source of inspiration, motivation and great humility to us all at Comrades. Through the courage, indomitable spirit, unstinting loyalty, cheerfulness, resilience and generosity of spirit with which he set a shining example to us all. May his soul rest in peace.”
CMA Novice Hospitality Convenors, Noeleen and Peter De Groot say, “We were heartbroken to receive the news that Alen had passed away. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and friends and pray for strength and comfort for them during this very sad time. Alen was a friend of Peter and I for a very long time and we will miss him dearly. He was so very passionate about Comrades, and Athletics in general. We were involved with him for many years over various Athletic events as well as Comrades Portfolios, with the most recent being as Co-Convenor of Novice Hospitality. He was a valued and esteemed member of our team and will be greatly missed by our Volunteers and our Legends. Rest in peace dear friend.”
CMA Prizegiving Convenor, Morgan Pillay says, “This is truly heart-breaking news. Rest in peace Legend.”
Former CMA Chairperson, Peter Proctor says, “I had the privilege of working with Alen on many occasions over the years and always marvelled at his positive and cheerful attitude, never allowing the most trying lifestyle he has had to endure for so many years to deter him from his passion or duties. His absolute service and loyalty to his Comrades responsibilities is an example to all those that have worked with him. Alen, you will be sadly missed but will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Friend.”
CMA Finish Procedure Co-convenor, Gawie Falconer says, “I'm deeply saddened to hear the news. Alen was a committed and passionate member of the Comrades Marathon and also gave his total commitment to KZN Athletics and the Cross Country Commission. He will be greatly missed by the entire Finish Procedure team. My heartfelt condolences to Rodgers and family.”
KZNA President, Steve Mkasi says, “As KZNA, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Alen Hattingh. The “Croc” as he was affectionately known, was among the best exemplary Technical Officials in KZNA. As President of KZNA, I have worked with Alen very closely from about 2013 until he passed on. We noticed the change in his state of health over the last two years and whilst he was fighting for his good health, he unfortunately lost his pillar of strength, his late wife, Charlene. He seemed to be dealing with his loss and made a return to officiating again. I last saw Alen at the Capital Climb race in Pietermaritzburg in September. We were expecting to continue to work with Alen in the upcoming 2025 season, only to learn of his passing. We would like to pass our condolences to the rest of the Hattingh family. They are in our thoughts.”
CMA Board Member, Alan Gray says, “With the sad loss of Alen Hattingh I would like to convey the Gray family condolences to this truly remarkable individual. Alan was a well-respected and devoted person; and contributed much to the running scene. He will be sorely missed.”
