The popular Comrades Marathon is yet to officially confirm its cancellation or postponement following Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa’s comments that their decision to go ahead with the race is “unacceptable, irresponsible and unlawful”.
In a statement on March 17, the Comrades Marathon Association’s (CMA) Board explained that the popular marathon has not yet been postponed as the decision would be “premature”.
The marathon will go on as scheduled for now, but the board will review the situation by April 17. Athletes and stakeholders will be advised on the way forward closer to the time.
In their statement, CMA Chairperson Cheryl Winn said: “We will make announcements and issue updates on an ongoing basis. As the CMA Board, we have to consider the best interest and well-being of our athletes, supporters, spectators, volunteers and the public. With 282 successful substitution applications having been processed since the opening of the 2020 substitution period yesterday, we urge all Comrades runners to continue with their training preparations for the 95th edition of the Ultimate Human Race.”
However, yesterday [March 17] Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa admonished this decision in a Tweet.
It is unacceptable, irresponsible and unlawful quite frankly. https://t.co/aXwli0bfDC
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) March 17, 2020
Last night, the Minister took to Twitter, saying that the Athletics SA president Aleck Skhosana has agreed to postpone the Comrades. There has been no official word from organisers.
The President of @AthleticsSA, Aleck Skhosana, has just reassured me that the #ComradesMarathon will NOT go ahead and he will ensure that all relevant parties and participants are informed.
Please note: By law, no athletics event will go ahead without prior government approval.
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) March 17, 2020
Picture: Pixabay