Des a loyal servant of Comrades Marathon
Runner nearly as old as the event
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is saddened by the death of Des Martin last Friday after a short illness. He was 90 years old. Martin dedicated his life to the Comrades Marathon, the internationally acclaimed ultra event that is staged in KwaZulu-Natal every year.
Martin assisted at the Green Number facility at the Comrades Expo for many years.
He was a member of the Savages Athletic Club and ran his first Comrades Marathon in 1964. He went on to complete the “Ultimate Human Race” 15 times, with his personal best achieved in 1965 in a time of 09:51:30.
Martin has eight Comrades silver and seven bronze medals to his name. He has been described as a wonderful person who shared a real passion for the Comrades Marathon.
CMA chairwoman Cheryl Winn said: “It’s sad to hear about Des passing on. He had contributed reliably and consistently to the CMA through his passion for the Green Number Club. As a nonagenarian he was nearly as old as [the] Comrades and a true inspiration to younger generations.
“He was also a real gentleman and we will sadly mourn and miss him. May he rest in peace.”
CMA general manager Chris Fisher added: “All at Comrades are deeply saddened by the news of Des’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
Martin was buried in Hillcrest in Durban on Tuesday.
He was a a true inspiration to younger generations. Cheryl Winn CMA CHAIRWOMAN