Trail Runner George de Rock Dies on 47th Birthday During 47km Run at Constantia Nek
- George de Rock had planned a 47km trail run at Constantia Nek in Cape Town to mark his 47th birthday on 6 August
- His wife Yolanda confirmed he died after a fall during the run, saying the family needed time to process the loss
- George had written about the challenge beforehand, reflecting on courage, gratitude and the uncertainty of the trail
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Trail runner George de Rock died on his 47th birthday after falling during a run at Constantia Nek in Cape Town on Thursday, 6 August.
Source: Facebook
De Rock had planned the outing as a personal tribute to the milestone, setting himself a 47km challenge that reflected both his passion for the sport and his commitment to living boldly. The route runs through the mountain pass connecting Constantia and Hout Bay, a popular destination for trail runners and hikers drawn to the terrain of the Table Mountain landscape.
His wife, Yolanda de Rock, broke the news to family and friends, describing the moment as one she had never anticipated.
"This is the last thing I thought I would be doing this morning," she said.
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She confirmed that George had fallen during the run but noted she had limited details at the time.
"His family and the boys and I are devastated. I wish I could talk to every one of you, but we just need some time to process everything. This does not feel real," Yolanda said.
George de Rock's final words before the run
Before setting out, De Rock had written about the significance of what he was attempting. A transition coach and mentor by profession, he often guided others through personal challenges and drew on his own experiences living with a chronic condition.
"As someone living with a chronic condition, I know every challenge starts long before the first step," he wrote.
He was candid about the uncertainty ahead.
"As a trail runner, I've learned that the finish line is never guaranteed. It has to be earned," he wrote, adding that he did not know whether he would complete the full distance.
"If I don't start, I'll never find out."
His words about the day's purpose have since taken on a profound weight.
"Today isn't about proving anything to anyone else. It's about celebrating another year of life by doing something that scares me, stretches me, and reminds me how grateful I am to still be able to chase big goals," he wrote.
Source: Facebook
Friends pay tribute
Friend Dean Horwitz expressed his grief in a tribute, noting the relatively short but meaningful nature of their friendship.
"George De Rock, we had only been friends for a short time, but the way you inspired and supported me will never be forgotten," Horwitz said.
He added that future trail runs would carry the weight of De Rock's memory.
"The plans we made that will go unplanned won't be forgotten as I take your memory with me whenever I get back onto the trails."
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Source: Briefly News
