OBITUARY – DANA COETZEE (COMRADES GREEN NUMBER 1273)
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is saddened by the passing of former Comrades Marathon runner and elite club manager, Mr Dana Coetzee.
Dana made an indelible impact on road running in South Africa, inspiring an entire era of top athletes with his passion for the sport which was matched by his sterling management of running clubs, winners, gold medallists and other athletes.
Both runners and road running officials can attest to Dana’s friendly demeanour, exemplary conduct and love for the Comrades Marathon. Dana completed 20 editions of The Ultimate Human Race, earning his double laurels in the esteemed Comrades Green Number Club.
Running in Permanent Number 1273, he ran his first Comrades Marathon in 1980, and going on to earn 12 Silver, 4 Bill Rowan and 4 Bronze medals. He achieved his Comrades personal best in a time of 6:33:15 in 1988.
CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo says, "Dana leaves behind a lasting legacy of running the great race; as well as managing elite running clubs and top athletes who have achieved amazing things. His passion and drive for the sport we all love so much has seen him drive athletes to sheer accomplishment. He was a motivational force that will inspire the best in all of us. "
Ngcobo adds, "On behalf of the CMA Board, Staff and Race Organising Committee, we convey our heartfelt condolences to the Coetzee family on your huge loss. We wish you all strength during this trying time and remember the great contribution of a wonderful man to road running and the many lives that he touched."
Chairperson of the former Murray & Roberts Running Club, Ed Jardim says, “Dana Coetzee was known and loved by many in the running community. An accomplished runner himself, he dedicated much of his life to the sport, and as a result, would go to a race event and be able to greet every second person. He was incredibly well known and a passionate fellow runner. Running and those involved in the sport, both athlete and organiser, was an integral part of Dana's life and he committed himself to the betterment of it all. He will be missed! Rest in peace Dana!”
Former CMA Race & Operations Manager, Rowyn James says, “I have known Dana for many years through our respective running careers and common crossover within the road running fraternity. I got to work closely with him during the advent of the Murray and Roberts pro running team where he was team manager and admired his passion and professionalism into getting the team established, particularly on the women’s side which became a dominant team within the road running circuit. His care, concern, empathy and unwavering support towards the athletes was a standout feature and a hallmark of his personality. A great loss to the sport, go well my friend, you ran a great and brave race.”
AIMS President, Paco Borao says, “We are saddened by the information of your respected runner Number 1273 Dana Coetzee passing away. Please receive from the AIMS community our deepest saddest feelings, extended to his family as well as the whole Comrades Marathon community. Rest in peace our respected fellow runner, Dana.”
