Athletics South Africa (ASA) has announced that they are distancing themselves from the 100th Comrades Marathon.
According to ASA, this follows the failure of the event organisers (Comrades Marathon Association) to recognise and comply with the governance and regulatory framework governing athletics. Despite extensive engagements undertaken in good faith by Athletics South Africa and its member federation, KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), the organisers have not satisfied the requirements necessary for sanctioning under the constitution, rules and regulations of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, Athletics South Africa and World Athletics.
The World Athletics Constitution provides in Article 7.3 that: “There shall only be one Member Federation from any one Country or Territory.” ASA is the recognised World Athletics Member Federation for South Africa.
Athletics South Africa fully supports KwaZulu-Natal Athletics in the execution of its constitutional and regulatory responsibilities as the duly recognised provincial member federation responsible for the administration and governance of athletics within KwaZulu-Natal.
As the national governing body for athletics in South Africa, Athletics South Africa has a responsibility to ensure that all athletics and road running events are conducted within a consistent governance framework, and in compliance with the applicable rules, regulations and standards. These requirements apply equally to all event organisers and cannot be selectively applied or disregarded.
Athletics South Africa confirms that the 100th Comrades Marathon has not been authorised or sanctioned through KwaZulu-Natal Athletics and formally distances itself from the organisation, administration and conduct of the event.
Athletics South Africa remains committed to the protection of athletes, clubs, officials and stakeholders and regulatory compliance throughout the sport.
ASA also confirms that KZNA remains willing to engage constructively with any event organiser that recognises the authority of the athletics structures established under the ASA Constitution and is prepared to comply with the applicable governance and sanctioning requirements.
