Obituary: Sam Draai

The Comrades Marathon Association is saddened by the passing of Sam Draai (Green Number 91258) this past Sunday (31 May 2015).

He was born in 1922 and served in the South African Navy during the Second World War. Sam was deeply passionate about the Comrades Marathon - as a runner, supporter, technical official and long standing volunteer. He completed The Ultimate Human Race 16 times and was a proud member of the Comrades Marathon Green Number Club.

Sam first ran Comrades in 1964, albeit unofficially as non-white runners were not allowed to participate, becoming just the second non-white runner documented to have completed the race and continued to compete unofficially up until 1974. He went on to finish another seven races after 1975 when the race was opened to men and women of all races. 

It was in 1996 that Sam first requested that his unofficial runs be recognized by the CMA and that he be awarded his Green Number, which was subsequently done.

CMA Vice Chairperson, Cheryl Winn says, ‘Sam was one of the brave souls who ran the race unofficially prior to it being opened to men and women of all races and was one of the first to be deservedly recognized retrospectively and featured in our Forgotten Comrades Exhibition.’

CMA Board Member, Terence Hoskins says, ‘I have known Mr Draai since I was a little boy. He was involved with the Durban Boys Brigade and was a big inspiration to me. He was always a fit man who loved sports and was very involved in the community.’

Hoskins adds, ‘Mr Draai’s association with the CMA goes back to the early 90’s. He was an enthusiastic volunteer at Registration and the Green Number Club. It was a pleasure working with him and an even greater privilege to have known him. He was the pride of the local running community in both Pietermaritzburg and Sydenham in Durban; and a huge inspiration to the greater Coloured community. We will remember him fondly.’

CMA Board Member, Celi Makhoba says, ‘I have known Sam Draai since the late 80`s. He was a qualified Technical Official at the time and was active in Track & Field and Cross Country. He was always enthusiastic about officiating at road-running races and started to do so in 2004. In 2006, he officiated at the Comrades Marathon as a Technical Official for the first time.’

Makhoba tells us that Sam was someone you could rely on. ‘Sam was a man who would voice his concerns or dissatisfaction. He was very punctual and took pride in his work and his dressing, always wearing his white hat. He was a very wise man. We have lost a great person with an immense knowledge of athletics. We will always remember him standing and welcoming Green Number athletes at the Comrades Expo.’

CMA Durban Registration Co-convener, Erica Neff says, ‘Mr Draai worked at the Durban Registration for more than 20 years. I met him about 5 years ago. He proudly wore his Comrades blazer every year and manned the queues, ensuring the smooth flow of runners. Chatting to and encouraging the athletes in a quiet and gentle manner was his forte.’