The Comrades Marathon Association has expressed shock after the sudden passing of 1982 winner Cheryl Winn.
Winn, who went on to serve as an administrator for the Comrades Marathon after her competitive running days were over, passed away suddenly on Sunday while on holiday with her family in the Drakensberg.
“Cheryl’s passing is a great loss not only to the CMA, but to the whole athletics family,” said CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo in a statement.
“She dedicated her life from 1978 to the service of the sport of athletics, and the Comrades Marathon in particular. Cheryl’s legacy in this 104-year-old ultra marathon is unparalleled, and her passing is a devastating loss to the CMA family. She remains the Comrades Marathon’s matriarch,” Ngcobo continued.
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“On behalf of the CMA Board, staff, race organising committee, our elders, sponsors, partners and participants, we pass our deepest condolences to the Winn family, and wish you strength as you deal with this tragic loss. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.”
Between 1978 and 1984, Winn took part in the Comrade Marathon six times, never finishing lower than fifth in the women’s race. After finishing as the runner-up in 1980 and 1981, she finally claimed the women’s title in 1982.
After running, Winn went on to become a respected sports administrator alongside her late husband Mick Winn.
In 2017, she became the only former winner of the race to be elected Chair of the CMA Board. And when she stood down as Chair in 2021, she continued to serve the race as part of various committees.
Her death brings to a close a long and distinguished association with the Comrades Marathon. Winn was involved in the event for more than four decades, first as an athlete and later as an administrator, leaving behind an enduring record of service to South African road running.
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