Athletics South Africa [ASA] has advised their Member Federations, affiliated clubs, athletes, technical officials, partners and the public that the 100th Comrades Marathon is not sanctioned by them.
ASA says their position 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,” said SA Media Liaison Consultant Sifiso Cele.
“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,” he added.
“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.”