HIS RACE IS OVER, BUT JOHN CAMERON-DOW’S MARATHON LEGACY WILL LIVE ON

Obituary: John Cameron-dow (Green Number 3155)

COMMITTED sports author, Comrades Marathon historian and holder of Comrades Green Number 3155, John Cameron-dow’s contribution to the Comrades Marathon has been immeasurable and he will forever be remembered through his recording of some of the Comrades Marathon’s rich history. Comrades Marathon – The Ultimate Human Race (published in 2011), by John Cameron-dow, covered 25 years of previously unrecorded history in great detail.

It also eloquently summarised and contextualised the points of Morris Alexander’s 1985 book, preserving the written history of the race for future generations. For this, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) will forever be grateful and it is deeply saddened to lose such a distinguished member of the race’s historians. Cameron-dow was 73 years old. He completed the Comrades Marathon 10 times between the years 1984 and 2003, ensuring his induction into the Comrades Marathon’s prestigious Green Number Club. He ran for the Celtic Harriers Running Club.

Running the great race set the pace for his first-hand experience of the Ultimate Human Race, with the subsequent publishing of his book on the Comrades Marathon in 2011.

CMA chairperson Cheryl Winn said: “The contribution of John Cameron-dow to the heritage of the Comrades Marathon is something we will always be grateful for.

“His participation in the Ultimate Human Race and his subsequent documenting of the history of the world’s greatest ultra-marathon from 1921 till 2010 encapsulates not only a meticulous record of facts, figures and records, but also captures the spirit of the event, its humanity, significance to South Africa and its power to transform lives.

“John also authored a history of the Two Oceans Marathon. The running fraternity and everyone who knew John will miss him greatly.”

Jetline Action Photo’s Johanna Ginsberg said: “This is very sad news. Condolences to all of his family, friends and associates. He will be missed.”

CMA prizegiving convener Morgan Pillay said: “It is with great sadness that I learnt of the passing away of John. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all who knew him. He will be fondly missed and remembered.”

The memorial service for John will be held at the Constantia Catholic Church, 4 Price Drive, Constantia, on Tuesday at 11am.