Comrades Marathon not suspended, yet

The Comrades Marathon scheduled for June 14 has not yet been suspended, despite the spread of Covid-19.

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) made an announcement on Tuesday, saying it would be premature to suspend the event at this stage.

Under the ongoing guidance of the government on the virus, as well as Athletics SA and KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), the CMA Board will review the situation by April 17 and advise Comrades athletes on the way forward, depending on the status of the virus in the country at the time.

CMA Chairperson, Cheryl Winn said: “With nearly three months to go to Comrades 2020, the CMA Board has decided that it is premature to postpone this year’s Comrades Marathon. We will, however, continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and will make a decision by April 17th depending upon how the situation evolves on whether to postpone Comrades 2020 to a date later in the year.

“We will make announcements and issue updates on an ongoing basis. As the CMA Board, we have to consider the best interest and well-being of our athletes, supporters, spectators, volunteers and the public.

“With 282 successful Substitution applications having been processed since the opening of the 2020 Substitution period yesterday, we urge all Comrades runners to continue with their training preparations for the 95th edition of the Ultimate Human Race.”

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo