OPINION: Despite being unsanctioned, the Comrades Marathon clearly has support
· Citizen
Earlier this week, Athletics South Africa (ASA) released a statement saying it had “distanced itself” from the Comrades Marathon, confirming next year’s race would not be sanctioned by the federation.
It wasn’t new information because Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) members had already decided to cut ties with ASA and its provincial member KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA).
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The timing seemed deliberate, however, with ASA apparently trying to make a point the day before the launch of the 2027 race.
However, the CMA hit back the following day by hosting a launch of the 100th edition of the event that went ahead smoothly with no mention of the recent storm behind the scenes which resulted in the race opting to unaffiliate with governing bodies.
And while some issues remain unclear, one important question was answered.
Authorities in attendance
Though the Comrades Marathon no longer has any official association with ASA or KZNA, the race organisers clearly still have support from local authorities.
On race day, roads between Pietermaritzburg and Durban will need to be closed, requiring approval from both the Msunduzi and eThekwini municipalities.
And support from the police is also crucial to ensure safety and security of runners and spectators along the route and at the finish.
At the Comrades launch on Wednesday, multiple representatives of these critical race partners were in attendance, including Msunduzi deputy mayor Mxolisi Mkhize and Brigadier Frank Saunders of the SA Police Service.
Potential consequences remain unclear
Of course, there are other potential issues that still need to be addressed.
We don’t know what consequences elite athletes might face for running an unsanctioned race (they will need approval from ASA to compete overseas in future), or how Comrades will rope in technical officials who receive their qualifications from registered governing bodies.
In addition, runners will no longer need licences to enter the race, which means federations will lose income. And if other races opt to unaffiliate down the line, the repercussions for ASA and its members could be significant.
For all the things that remain unclear, however, the CMA is obviously determined to move forward with next year’s race. And the organisers already have support from crucial partners.