Athletics South Africa Backs KZNA in Dispute Over Comrades Marathon Dates
The governing body for athletics in South Africa, Athletics South Africa (ASA), has publicly aligned itself with KwaZulu‑Natal Athletics (KZNA) in its ongoing conflict with the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) regarding the approval of future race dates. The disagreement centres on whether the 2027 edition of the iconic Comrades Marathon — set to mark the race’s 100th running — has received the necessary sanction from the provincial athletics body.
Background of the Dispute
KZNA warned last week that it would pursue legal action to prevent the 100th Comrades Marathon from taking place if the event’s date remained unapproved. The provincial authority contends that, under ASA’s regulations, any athletics event hosted within KwaZulu‑Natal must first obtain its endorsement.
The CMA, which organizes the annual ultramarathon between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, responded by announcing that the 2027 race would proceed on 13 June 2027. This announcement came after the CMA severed its formal affiliation with KZNA, citing what it described as an attempt by the provincial body to assume control of the association’s operations.
ASA’s Position and Ruling
Following a meeting last week between ASA, KZNA, and CMA representatives, ASA issued a statement clarifying the procedural requirements for event approval:
- All athletics events must be sanctioned by ASA and its recognised provincial structures in accordance with ASA’s rules and regulations.
- The CMA currently falls under the jurisdiction of KZNA; therefore, any date for the Comrades Marathon requires KZNA’s approval.
- Any “purported approval” of the 2027 or 2028 race dates given by ASA officials has been declared “null and void.”
The statement directly countered claims made by the CMA that ASA board member and road‑running committee chairman Enoch Skosana had already granted approval for the 2027 and 2028 editions. ASA maintains that such approvals, if they occurred, lack procedural validity because KZNA’s consent was not obtained.
CMA’s Stance and Planned Actions
The CMA has insisted that the June 13 2027 date remains firm and has indicated its intention to defend its position through the organization’s internal processes. The association is set to hold a Special General Meeting (SGM) early next month to discuss:
- Future affiliation options with KZNA and ASA.
- Governance reforms aimed at preventing similar jurisdictional disputes.
- Contingency plans should legal proceedings impede the race.
CMA officials have also expressed dissatisfaction with certain points raised in ASA’s statement, noting that they believe the organization overstepped its authority by asserting unilateral control over event approvals.
Legal Proceedings and Upcoming Meetings
A critical legal matter between KZNA and the CMA is slated for hearing in the Supreme Court of Appeal next week. The outcome of that hearing could determine whether KZNA retains the legal authority to block the Comrades Marathon from proceeding without its explicit endorsement.
In parallel, ASA has announced that it will convene a follow‑up meeting with both parties later this month to seek a mediated resolution. The federation emphasises that its primary goal is to preserve the integrity of South Africa’s premier road race while upholding the regulatory framework that governs athletics nationwide.
Implications for the 100th Comrades Marathon
The Comrades Marathon, first run in 1921, attracts tens of thousands of participants and spectators each year, contributing significantly to tourism and local economies in KwaZulu‑Natal. Any disruption to the 2027 edition — particularly historic race could have far‑reaching consequences, including:
- Financial losses for host cities and ancillary service providers.
- Potential damage to South Africa’s reputation as a destination for world‑class endurance events.
- Uncertainty for athletes who have begun qualifying preparations for the centenary race.
Stakeholders across the sporting community are urging a swift, amicable settlement that respects both the procedural mandates of ASA and KZNA and the operational autonomy of the CMA.
Conclusion
As the dispute unfolds, the athletics fraternity watches closely. ASA’s endorsement of KZNA’s jurisdictional claim underscores the importance of adhering to established governance structures, while the CMA’s resolve to proceed with the June 13 2027 date highlights the tension between regulatory compliance and event continuity. The forthcoming Supreme Court hearing and ASA‑mediated talks will likely shape the fate of the centenary Comrades Marathon and set a precedent for how provincial and national bodies collaborate — or clash — over South Africa’s premier sporting events.
References
- Athletics South Africa. (2025). Statement on Comrades Marathon date approval. Retrieved from ASA official communications.
- TimesLIVE. (2025, September 24). ASA sides with KZNA in Comrades Marathon date dispute. Retrieved from TimesLIVE.
- Comrades Marathon Association. (2025). Announcement of 2027 race date. Retrieved from CMA press release.
