AFFILIATION TUSSLE: Athletics SA refuses to sanction centenary Comrades Marathon
The custodian of South African athletics says that if the 2027 Comrades Marathon proceeds under the current status quo, with the Comrades Marathon Association not affiliated to KZN Athletics, next year’s centenary race will not be officially sanctioned. In spite of this, the 100th race of the ultra marathon was officially launched on Wednesday, 19 August.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) has refused to sanction the 100th Comrades Marathon, citing the Comrades Marathon Association's (CMA) failure to comply with the governing framework for athletics. The ASA's stance stems from KwaZulu-Natal Athletics and the CMA's inability to find common ground, as reported by the ASA in a statement. The ASA emphasizes its responsibility to ensure all athletics events are conducted in compliance with established rules and regulations.
Despite the ASA's refusal, the 100th Comrades Marathon was officially launched on August 19th, with the race set to take place on June 13th, 2027, between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The event is expected to have a maximum of 28,000 participants. The Comrades Marathon, first held in 1921, will mark its centenary and 50th edition of the traditional Down Run route.
The launch of the marathon came amidst ongoing tensions between the CMA and the ASA. Following a special general meeting held by the CMA, more than 1,000 members voted against re-affiliation with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, citing allegations of a potential coup by the provincial body. KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, in response, has established a task team to engage with the CMA, emphasizing its willingness to find common ground without resorting to legal action.
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