The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced that in line with changes to the regulations to manage the coronavirus pandemic in the country, it is revising its stance on the participation of unvaccinated athletes in the 2022 Comrades Marathon.
Also read: 2022 Comrades Marathon: Race date confirmed for 28 August
This announcement came in the wake of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Tuesday night, March 22 announcing some key changes to the restrictions which government had put in place to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo advised that the Association would allow unvaccinated runners to run the 2022 Comrades on condition that they provided proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of Comrades race day, at their own cost.
Mqondisi added the same rules would apply to all runners, volunteers and visitors to the three-day Comrades Expo, scheduled for race week (August 25 to 27).
The CMA will continue to comply with government regulations, applicable at all times, in order to safeguard the health and safety of runners, supporters, officials and the public at large. Should government regulations or Athletics South Africa guidelines change prior to race day, the CMA will likewise adhere to the regulations applicable at that time.
President Ramaphosa also signalled an imminent end to the national state of disaster, and regulations on social distancing have been revised. Runners will not be required to wear face masks when outdoors.
When entering the country, international Comrades athletes are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours, while all unvaccinated visitors to South Africa will be offered a vaccination on arrival if they so wish.
The 95th Comrades Marathon will be a down run on Sunday August 28. The race starts at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05:30 and ends 12 hours later at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, covering a 90,2km distance. This will be the 47th down run in Comrades history.
