Sam Tshabalala, the first black winner of the Comrades Marathon in 1989, has died aged 65.

Setting a fantastic time of 6:10:40, in his first Comrades in 1987, Tshabalala would continue to improve with a 5:54:34 the following year. In only his third Comrades run, and his first ‘Down Run’, Tshabalala went on to make history in 1989 as first black champion. His convincing win of 5:35:51 was over four minutes ahead of second place, Willie Mtolo.

This historic victory would go on to inspire black runners for decades to come. Many future winners have attributed their passion for running to Tshabalala, especially when faced with the adversity of a horrific car accident in 1991 that left him in months of recovery, and extensive injuries. Undaunted, Tshabalala would return to run a sub 6:30 in 1992. Throughout his Comrades career, he managed to attain 13 finishes, with one gold and a staggering 12 silver medals.

For his milestone achievement and massive contribution to the sport of ultra-distance running, the Comrades Marathon Association awarded Tshabalala with the prestigious Platinum Medal Award in 1998. With the introduction of the official Comrades Winners Jacket in 2016, the CMA presented him with a retrospective jacket in 2019 for his 1989 performance.

Both on and off the field, he was known and admired for his humility, kindness and giving nature.

CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo said, “We live in gratitude to a Comrades Winner, Hero and Legend. What Mr Tshabalala did for ultra-running and our generation of athletes is part and parcel of our road-running history and great South African heritage. He showed us how to be courageous, great and at the same time humble and real.”

Ngcobo adds, “Sam was a trailblazer and pioneer. He was someone who lived out the noble attributes of The Ultimate Human Race by his determined nature, will to succeed and continuously giving of his best. He will be sadly missed by the Comrades community and everyone who knew him.”

1989 Comrades runner-up Mtolo said, “Sam was at Comrades in 2019 and it was really good to catch up with him after many years. He was a very good person. We ran a great race in 1989 and remained very good friends since then. We had a lot to talk about every time that we met. I know that he was involved in assisting youngsters in his village with their running. That was Sam for you – helpful, encouraging, motivating and a true inspiration. I will always remember him.”

1991 Comrades winner, Nick Bester says, “Sad news. I will never forget Sam during the 1989 Comrades Marathon when he passed me with his running cap and he was wearing the cap with the flap at the back covering his neck and he went on to win the race as the first-ever black athlete to do so. Mtolo was second, Jean Marc Belloq third and me in fourth. He was a true Comrades Marathon Champion, he was always down to earth and humble.”

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