Comrades Marathon postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic
The race was originally supposed to be run on 14 June but Athletics South Africa said a suitable date is still to be determined.
THIS year’s Comrades Marathon has been postponed to an unspecified date announced Athletics South Africa (ASA) on Friday.
The race was originally supposed to be run on 14 June but ASA said a suitable date is still to be determined between the athletics association, KZN Athletics and the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA).
“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 include athletes, coaches, event organisers, athletes’ representatives, administrators and communities,” said Aleck Skhosana, President of ASA.
Read also: Vodacom Durban July rescheduled due to Covid-19 pandemic
“As it stands, however, let us prioritise the safety and health of every person, so that we can all return to our athletics programmes once it is considered safe to do so. We urge everyone to join hands with the Government to fight this pandemic by obeying regulations of the lockdown.
The decision to extend the postponement includes the following:
1) All schools athletics activities including the ASA National Primary Schools T&F Championships scheduled for Pietermaritzburg. The event will remain at the same venue on a new date.
2) All clubs and provincial activities, including, Fun Runs, Park Runs, Road-Running, Cross Country, Trail Running and Track & Field events.
3) All ASA championships including the ASA Twizza National U16 – U20 Track and Field Championships, the 2020 ASA Athletics Grand Prix Series and the 3Sixty Life & Sizwe Medical ASA Senior T&F + Combined Events.
Chairperson of the Comrades Marathon Association, Cheryl Winn, said the association welcomed the announcement by ASA.
Read also: CSA commits to national champs despite international cancellations
“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. Therefore, any decision on the eventual fate of the 2020 Comrades Marathon will be taken in conjunction with ASA and KZN Athletics.
“CMA also reiterated its advocacy for complete compliance with all regulations, guidelines and directives pertaining to the National State of Disaster, as well as pledging its total cooperation and support for ASA towards restoring some sort of equilibrium to the sport of athletics in South Africa in the coming weeks and months.”
*Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532. 
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
