'Huge loss to South African Road Running' - Running Community mourns the loss of Colleen McNally

On Wednesday 20 November, the South African athletics community woke up to the sad news of the passing one of the iconic figures in road running - Colleen McNally. A school teacher at Yeoville Boys in Johannesburg by profession, McNally served the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Road Running commission for decades in various capacities from a referee to its chairperson - a position she held at the time of her passing.

A happy, loving and jovial figure at many CGA Road Races. Photo Credit: Supplied.

During the last two years though, the woman who celebrated her 64th birthday on Saturday 16 November, had been a notable absentee from her beloved road races as she battled cancer. Today her fight ended. CGA Acting President Karabo Mabilo says the departure of a treasured board member and their much-loved self-appointed photographer is a big loss to road running in the province.

"Colleen was not only a committed leader but also an inspirational figure whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our organization. A valued and hardworking member of the CGA Board, she worked tirelessly to promote inclusivity whilst serving as a technical official, as a referee and as the Chairperson of Road Running. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she will be remembered for her kindness, integrity, and the genuine care she showed to everyone she worked with."

McNally working at the Johnson Crane Marathon as a race referee during the pre-Covid era. Photo Credit: Supplied.

One of those who will remember the Randburg Harriers Honorary Lifetime Member most fondly is veteran athletics media man Manfred Siedler. Now Elite Manager of the Hollywood Athletic Club, Sielder who was a close friend of McNally's says he is still trying to process the loss of an industry companion with whom her shared many memories over the decades of serving the sport of athletics together.

"When I heard the news about Colleen's passing it came as a huge shock. Even though she had been battling with cancer, she was incredibly brave, upbeat and still trying to live her life as normally as possible. It's a big loss. It hurts," said an emotional Siedler adding that the sexagenarian had a heart of gold which is what set her apart from the rest. 

McNally also served on Athletics South Africa's Road Running Commission which was then chaired by current ASA President James Moloi to McNally's right. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"The road running community is also much poorer after Colleen's passing. She was such an influential person not only in her official capacity but also in the running community in general. She would brighten up people's lives. She went out of her way to make people's and runners lives happy. This is a big blow to the running community and will no doubt be a massive blow to her family and friends. Our condolences to them. We in the running community will miss Colleen. She was such an icon."