Former Comrades champion dies
He won the 1961 Comrades Marathon and was a notable member of the Comrades Green Number Club.
Claassen was 97 years old.
During his Comrades running years - 1960 to 1977 - Claassen earned two gold, four silver and four bronze medals.
He was third in 1960.
Former CMA Chairman and Green Number Club Convener, Barry Varty, reflects on news reports of George’s win at the 1961 Comrades Marathon: “George Claassen was greeted by Vic Clapham, founder of the Comrades Marathon, as he crossed the finish line. It was a great moment."
Barry tells us that the Claassen family has over the years made a significant contribution to the Comrades Marathon Association.
He added: "George is the father of Wynand Claassen, the Springbok rugby captain from 1981 to 1984. Wynand was also involved in the restoration of Comrades House for the Official Opening in 1988. There is a plaque at Comrades House to this effect."
The Comrades Marathon Association today also confirmed the death of Graeme Fraser.
He was 65.
Fraser ran for the Hillcrest Villagers Athletics Club and won eight Comrades Marathon gold medals.
He ended third in both 1982 and 1983.
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
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