MBOMBELA – The Comrades Marathon, scheduled to take place on June 14, has today (April 17) been postponed indefinitely.

In a press statement, Aleck Skhosana, president of Athletics South Africa (ASA), said the suspension will remain in place until is it deemed safe to resume by the national government.

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“A suitable date will be determined between ASA, KZN Athletics and the Comrades Marathon Association, as soon as conditions around the management of the virus allow us to proceed under the guidance of the government.

“As a responsible national federation, ASA accepts that the protection of all lives outweighs everything else. We also note that everyone is affected the same way by this law and this include athletes, coaches, event organisers, athletes’ representatives, administrators and communities.

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“As it stands, however, let us prioritise the safety and health of every person, so that we can all return to our athletics programmes once it is considered safe to do so. We urge everyone to join hands with the government to fight this pandemic by obeying regulations of the lockdown. In compliance, the suspension of all athletics activities is therefore also extended,” said Skhosana.

The decision to extend the postponement also includes the following:
• All schools’ athletics activities, including the ASA National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships scheduled for Pietermaritzburg. The event will reschedule and remain at the same venue.
• All clubs and provincial activities, including fun runs, park runs, road running, cross-country, trail running and track and field events.
• All ASA championships, including the ASA Twizza National u/16 to u/20 Track and Field Championships, the 2020 ASA Athletics Grand Prix Series and the 3Sixty Life & Sizwe Medical ASA Senior T&F + Combined Events.

The chairperson of the Comrades Marathon Association, Cheryl Winn, said CMA welcomed the announcement by ASA.
“CMA’s position is that there is no priority greater than the health, safety and welfare of our runners, volunteers, supporters, stakeholders and the lives of our fellow South Africans. Therefore, any decision on the eventual fate of the 2020 Comrades Marathon will be taken in conjunction with ASA and KZN Athletics.

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“CMA also reiterated its advocacy for complete compliance with all regulations, guidelines and directives pertaining to the national state of disaster, as well as pledging its total cooperation and support for ASA towards restoring some sort of equilibrium to the sport of athletics in South Africa in the coming weeks and months.”