Athletics South Africa (ASA) announced the suspension of all athletics events and the Comrades Marathon following the announcement on April 9 of an extended lockdown.
President of ASA Aleck Skhosana said the suspension will remain in place until it is deemed safe to resume events.
“The Comrades Marathon is postponed from June 14 to a suitable date that will be determined between ASA, KZN Athletics and the Comrades Marathon Association as soon as conditions around the management of the virus allow us to do so, under the guidance of government,” he said.
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Skhosana said ASA will review its decision when government issues new measures to be followed.
“As a responsible national federation, ASA accepts that the protection of all lives outweighs everything else.
“We also note that everyone is affected the same way by this law and this includes athletes, coaches, event organisers, athletes’ representatives, administrators and communities,” Skhosana said.
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The decision to extend the postponement includes the following:
- All school athletics activities, including the ASA National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships scheduled for Pietermaritzburg. The event will remain at the same venue on a new date.
- All club and provincial activities including fun runs, parkruns, road-running, cross-country, trail running and track and field events.
- All ASA championships including the ASA Twizza National u-16 to u-20 Track and Field Championships, the 2020 ASA Athletics Grand Prix Series and the 3Sixty Life and Sizwe Medical ASA Senior Track and Field Combined Events.
“We welcome the announcement by ASA, which includes the postponement of the 2020 Comrades,” said chairperson of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) Cheryl Winn.
“CMA’s position is that there is no priority greater than the health, safety and welfare of our runners, volunteers, supporters, stakeholders and the lives of our fellow South Africans.
“Any decision on the eventual fate of the 2020 Comrades Marathon will be taken in conjunction with ASA and KZN Athletics.”
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