MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, 24 July 2026
WHAT OFFICIAL STATUS MEANS AND WHAT IT DOES NOT MEAN
Public debate about the Comrades Marathon has sometimes treated two different questions as though they were the same. They are not.
The first question is whether an organiser may physically stage a road-running event, subject to event-safety legislation, municipal approvals, policing, traffic management, emergency services, public liability and other legal requirements. KwaZulu-Zatal Natal Athletics (KZNA) does not claim that federation recognition replaces those statutory processes.
The second question is whether the event will be recognised as an official athletics competition within the World Athletics (WA), Athletics South Africa (ASA) and the provincial federation system. That status is relevant to the use of ASA-issued athlete licences, official competition rules, technical appointments, route and results certification, records, rankings, qualifying performances, team competitions and other federation pathways.
The 2026 Comrades race rules themselves required South African entrants to hold ASA licences issued through their clubs and provincial athletics bodies, and stated that the event was held under WA, ASA and KZNA rules. If a different model is proposed for 2027, athletes and stakeholders are entitled to a clear written explanation of what will change and what will remain recognised.
Anti-doping and safety should also be discussed accurately. SAIDS is the statutory anti-doping authority, while public authorities carry important event-safety responsibilities. The issue is not whether these functions can exist at all, but whether the necessary arrangements, jurisdiction and recognition consequences have been confirmed in writing.
KZNA therefore seeks clarity, not alarm. A mediated agreement can preserve the race while ensuring that every entrant understands the status of licences, results, awards, records and athlete protections before entering.
“A race can be physically held and yet still face separate questions about whether it is recognised within the official athletics system. Athletes deserve clarity on both.
Issued by:
KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA)
Media Enquiries:
Mr. Khura Buthelezi (Acting President)
Contact Number: +27 64 545 2774
Download KwaZulu-Natal Athletics Media Statement – 24 July 2026
