Comrades Marathon Association chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo gave an important update yesterday on two controversies that have threatened to take some shine off the race’s renowned social vibe.

He was reacting to objections to Comrades sponsor Hollywoodbets’ logo being on this year’s race numbers, by the Muslim community in particular, as well as 33 Russian runners partaking in the ultra-marathon on Sunday, despite a ban by World Athletics following the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Ngcobo said that ‘in the spirit of Comrades’, and with approval from the sponsor, runners will be allowed to block out the Hollywoodbets’ logo on their race numbers for religious or ethical reasons, while there are talks going on behind the scenes regarding the Russian group, which includes top contender Alexandra Morozova.

“Comrades prides itself as being the most inclusive race in the country and, in our inclusivity, we always say that we are non-sexist, non-racist and obviously non-sectarian. We won’t discriminate against anybody’s beliefs. We want to propose to runners that they can block out the Hollywoodbets’ logo as long as the chip is still able to be read.”

He confirmed that the other issue, involving the Russians, is a sensitive one, but there are talks to solve the matter.

Ngcobo said there is otherwise a great feeling among runners about the race making a return this weekend from a two-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He appealed to the public to fully support the runners along the route on Sunday, and said his organisation is again delighted to put on an event that has such a significant economic impact on the region.

“Over the past two years mass-participation sport was severely hit, and tourism has also been affected. We also had floods that devastated Durban in April, so Sunday’s [tomorrow] race will help to bring about social cohesion, and we are also happy to contribute enormously to the economy of the region.”