Historical decision for 2016 Comrades

THE Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has noted and is in the process of implementing a directive from Athletics South Africa that two wheelchair assisted participants be permitted to participate in the 2016 Comrades Marathon.

CMA Chairperson Macdonald Chitja said: “The CMA welcomes what is an historic decision for our sport and we embrace it in line with the spirit of the Comrades Marathon’s values and vision of equality and inclusivity. It is important to note that the two athletes Chaeli Mycroft and Anita Engelbrecht have complied with the standard qualifying times and entry requirements for the race, and that no special provision has been made for them in this respect. Nor will they receive any special treatment as bona fide participants in the race.”

Chitja has reiterated that the safety of all Comrades runners is the CMA’s biggest priority. “As organisers our primary concern is the safety of all participants and as a matter of urgency we will be consulting with various role-players in a process of reassessing our medical, technical, safety and security and logistical arrangements to determine possible impacts and necessary adjustments which we may need to implement in order to ensure there is no compromise to the well-being of all participants.”

Chitja said the association anticipated that Comrades runners and supporters will embrace this positive development in the spirit of camaraderie and humility which is unique to the Ultimate Human Race.

The 91st Comrades Marathon will be a down-run, starting outside the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing 12 hours later at the Sahara-Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban on Sunday, 29 May.