Action to be taken against Comrades cheats

NINE athletes are to be disqualified from the Comrades Marathon following an investigation into alleged cheating in this year’s race. This was announced by the KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) association, saying they have completed the initial investigations. 

KZNA has completed the initial investigations into alleged cheating in this year’s 2022 Comrades Marathon. They said the majority of the cheating related to athletes not running the entire 90km course, but also to allowing other athletes to run with their race bibs and providing incorrect qualification information.

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“Athletes accepting the findings have been informed of the discipline procedures to be applied. These measures include but are not restricted to: Being removed from the 2022 Comrades Marathon Results; a period of suspension from all Athletics events; forfeiture of previous events where they have been found to breach athletics association rules. 

“Additionally, the runner will be required to return the 2022 Comrades Marathon medal/s.  Each athlete will be reported to their province and their club, both of whom have the right to apply additional disciplinary measures. Similarly, Comrades Marathon Association will be informed and have the right to prohibit these athletes from entering and running the Comrades Marathons for a number of years,” stated KZNA.

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KZNA President Steve Mkasi said they would like to send a clear message to athletes to desist from cheating in any form. “These investigations are in line with us standing up for the rules of the sport and not condoning cheating in any form,”

KZNA said, with Comrades about to announce the 2023 entry date, they urge all athletes to respect the rules of all road-running events in which they choose to participate and to furthermore uphold the reputation of the sport of athletics.