Johannesburg – At least 25 entrants have been disqualified from this year’s Comrades Marathon, organisers revealed on Monday.
Organisers said the 25 athletes were disqualified from this Sunday’s 96th Comrades Marathon after it was found that they had supplied false qualifying information.
The disqualified athletes will also be suspended from entering the 2024 and 2025 races as a result.
Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) Race Director, Rowyn James said: “Runners found to have been cheating in any way, be it via submitting false qualifying details or in the race itself are tarnishing the reputation of the sport and the Comrades Marathon Association, as well as disrespecting fellow athletes”.
The CMA said the suspended entrants were members of various clubs, including Phuma KZN AC, Protea Striders, Save Orion AC, Sasolburg AC, Celtic Harriers, Chillie Running Club CG, Chiltern AC, Collegians Harriers, Diepkloof AC, Irene Athletics Club, Jozi X Training, Run Walk For Life NWN, Run Zone AC, SAPG AC, Sunward Striders AC, Team Vitality Club KZN, Thorn Tree Striders, Top Runner AC and Woodview AC.
The CMA said the transgressors will not be permitted to participate in the 2023 Comrades Marathon.
The CMA said it has also notified the respective athletes and their running clubs’ management of the disqualifications.
James said: “The CMA will not tolerate cheating in any form. It is incumbent upon every athlete to honour the ethical code and ethos of the sport.
“We promote fair sport and to this end are continuing with investigations into other alleged transgressors, the outcome of which will be announced in due course.”
