The Comrades marathon association (CMA) has issued a powerful warning to potential cheats in this year’s race.
The 91st edition of the iconic race will be run on Sunday, 29 May.
CMA general manager Chris Fisher says the warning comes after a growing number of concerned runners had made allegations of cheating.
“We had no option but to raise our concerns with KwaZulu-Natal athletics (KZNA) who have agreed to partner with us in putting a stop to this unsportsmanlike conduct,” said Fisher.
He said he two organisations would collaborate to make use of technology to highlight irregularities in athletics.
Fisher said race officials, marshals, volunteers and nearly 20 000 runners would all be encouraged to be on the lookout for and expose any cheats this year.
“We understand this is a tough and demanding race that requires a lot of training and hard work. It is for this reason that the integrity of those runners who honourably complete the marathon needs to be safeguarded,” he continued.
KZNA would also be deploying additional officials on the route.
It was alleged that running clubs didn’t just complain about cheating but have provided the CMA with names of the transgressors.
Transgressions vary from not running the full route/distance, multiple runners using one race number, supplying false information about qualifying races and other unethical and unsportsmanlike conduct.
Fisher said race officials would also be on the lookout for the so-called ‘park and ride gang’, who drive part of the route and run the rest. “If you don’t cross all of the mats, we will want to know why,” he said.
“This year, thanks to the tip-offs, we have some names we will watch carefully. If they are found guilty, we will name and shame them”, he concluded.
The CMA and KZNA reserve the right to request that the SA institute for drug-free sport (Saids) takes a blood sample instead of urine for drugs tests, where deemed necessary.
Fisher believes the above measures would be in the best interest of both runners and the sport.
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