Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
- The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) announced the race will be on 13 June 2027, but Athletics South Africa (ASA) says KwaZulu-Natal Athletics never gave the approval needed for the race.
- KZN Athletics reportedly wants more than R4-million in unpaid race fees before it agrees to a date for the 2027 Comrades.
The date of the 100th Comrades Marathon is uncertain again.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) announced last month that the race would take place on 13 June 2027.
But Athletics South Africa (ASA) now says that date was not approved in the right way.
ASA has cancelled the approval and said KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) must agree to the date.
The Comrades runs between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. This means the race falls under KZNA, which oversees athletics events in the province.
The problem started when an ASA official approved the 2027 and 2028 race dates without first getting KZNA’s permission.
KZNA objected and sent a legal letter demanding that the announcement be withdrawn. ASA later met with KZNA and the Comrades Marathon Association. After the meeting, ASA said the earlier approval was no longer valid.
There is also a fight over money between KZNA and the Comrades organisers. According to News24, KZNA says the CMA owes it more than R4-million in race fees.
KZNA reportedly does not want to approve the 2027 race until the money is paid. The CMA withdrew its special membership from KZNA last year.
Because the CMA is not a running club, it needs permission from KZNA to organise the race in the province.
The two sides must now agree on the money and choose a race date.
Pictured above: Runners take part in the Comrades Marathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Image source: @ComradesRace
