Running legend Nick Bester in ICU after being stripped & attacked with rocks

Comrades icon and well-known running coach Nick Bester is being treated in ICU after being attacked while out on a training run in the Magaliesberg on Sunday morning, his son Shaun-Nick confirmed.

In an Instagram post showing a bloodied Bester in shorts and a shirt, Shaun-Nick said his father was beaten with rocks.

He said his father had three broken ribs and a broken cheekbone, and his body had experienced trauma from the attack.

"They took off his clothes and tied him up and left him in the mountain. He managed to escape down the mountain by sliding on his back until he was right against someone’s fence."

Bester was admitted to hospital for medical treatment and scans, said his son.

Messages of support have been pouring in for the running icon.

Adriaan Cronje, administrator at the Nedbank Running Club, told The Citizen that Bester was undergoing surgery.

He won the up run of the Comrades Marathon in 1991 and came second twice on the down run. His love of endurance sports is well-known in SA. He was an Ironman champion, Dusi Canoe gold medallist and mountain bike champion.

He is currently the team manager of the Nedbank Running Club.