Farewell to Comrades legend Jackie Mekler

SAUL KAMIONSKY

Mekler, a five-time Comrades Marathon winner, was a man who persevered until the very end. He finally published his autobiography, Running Alone, this year, and he was at the Comrades Expo last month giving autographs to star struck would-be Comrades runners, former winners, and journalists.

Mekler ran his first Comrades Marathon in 1952, finishing seventh. He won his first Comrades Marathon in 1958, and went on to claim further victories in 1960, 1963, 1964, and 1968. He holds 10 Comrades gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.

He donned the Springbok vest in England, Finland, Canada, and France, and held three world records in the 30 miles (48km), 40 miles (64km), and 50 miles (80km) at one time.

In his professional career, he became a journeyman printer in an abbreviated timespan, a successful print sales representative, and later the managing director and chairman of Penrose Press in Johannesburg.

After he left the printing industry, he made a success of a farming venture in Mpumalanga before retiring to the Cape in 2018.

Bruce Fordyce, who recently chatted to Mekler at the Comrades Expo, and often spent time with him at the Comrades VIP lounge, said Mekler was an “absolute gentleman, quiet, very dignified, a lovely, lovely guy”.

“In fact, Jackie lived opposite me for a while in Forest Town. His house was directly opposite, so in one small street in Forest Town, we used to laugh, there were 14 Comrades Marathon wins, because he won five, and I won nine,” said Fordyce.

“As well as the five Comrades wins, he is also famous for a silver medal from the Commonwealth Games in 1954 in Vancouver. He was also very good at the shorter distances.

“I bought a copy of his book recently. It’s such a shock to all of us that he died because a month ago, he was full of beans. He was signing autographs at the expo, talking to people. We Comrades winners see each other a lot. We are like a little family. It’s terribly sad that he’s gone.”

The former chairperson of the Comrades Marathon Association, Peter Proctor, echoed Fordyce’s sentiment. “Jackie was such a good friend and mentor to so many Comrades Marathon runners of all ages over the years, whether a contender, a midfielder, or an aspirant finisher,” he said.

“Jackie always had a word of advice or encouragement to anyone who asked. He has been to the Comrades Finish and VIP lounge for many years, always with a smile and a joke to tell. He had an effervescent and bubbly personality, and was a true gentleman of the Comrades greats, with never a bad word spoken about anyone.

“I had the honour and privilege of escorting Jackie down to the finish line to fire one of the cut-off guns in 2018, which he was so proud of doing. Once done, we were having photographs taken, and he whispered to me, ‘This will be my final chapter at Comrades, and what a moment it has been!’ You will be very sorely missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace!”

Comrades runner and personality, Arnold Geerdts, said, “Jackie was the small man with the big heart. The children’s home product that rose from such humble beginnings to become a five-time Comrades winner, record setter, and world record holder. He completed 32 ultra-marathons of which he won an astounding 13, including the Pieter Korkie and London to Brighton.

“His 50 mile [80km] world record was [completed] in a speedy 5 hours, 24 minutes, and 57 seconds in 1954 wearing Bata tennis takkies. Aside from running, Jackie become a force in the printing industry after having started from humble beginnings, and ran one of the finest printing houses in the country.

“Jackie, I’m sure you and your beloved teammate, competitor, and friend, Wally Hayward, have already set off for a few runs up there. Soon you’ll have organised a few races too. Can’t wait to run with you when I see you again.”

Blake Wilkins, a close friend and the publisher of Mekler’s book, said, ‘’Jackie was a true gentleman of the road, respected by thousands for his prowess as a runner, modesty in success, and praise of the efforts of fellow athletes. Hundreds of athletes called on Jackie at his Running Alone book stand at the Comrades 2019 Expo, and later in the VIP section of the Comrades finish in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg. His enjoyment of the occasion in the company of friends and fellow athletes was visible to all who came to spend time with him.’’

Mekler, a family man, is survived by his wife Margie, daughters Kate and Bronwen, and grandsons Sebastian and Leo.