Slave Route Challenge death

Athletes taking part in this year's Slave Route Challenge on Sunday 1 June were left shell-shocked when a 59-year-old female runner died after being struck by a falling oak tree during the annual event.

- KAYLYNNE BANTOM

The incident occurred around 08:20 when the tree fell along the race route in the Company's Garden vicinity.

Participant Zayaan Lakay said she and her family heard a loud bang just minutes after they passed the location of the incident.

"Everyone was running. Then we heard a loud bang. We weren't sure what was happening. Next minute it was chaos. We saw a massive tree had fallen over.

Lakay said they were initially unaware that someone was trapped under the tree as she was covered in leaves.

"We continued with the race. When emergency personnel arrived she was still conscious. When we reached the end of the race we were told that the woman died. This is so sad. I still can't wrap my head around it. It was such a fun run. It was a beautiful day, there was no wind and no rain," explained Lakay.