KwaZulu‑Natal Athletics (KZNA) will send a delegation to meet the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) next month in an effort to resolve a dispute that has left next year’s centenary event operating outside the usual athletics structures.
What has happened
The CMA’s decision to proceed without the sanction of Athletics South Africa (ASA) and KZNA means athletes will be able to enter the 2027 race without athletics licences and without being required to belong to clubs. The race has already opened entries and is expected to attract a record field of 28 000 runners.
KZNA vice‑president Khura Buthelezi confirmed to SABC Sport that the provincial body’s council on 8 September formed a delegation to meet the CMA and attempt to iron out outstanding differences. Buthelezi declined to name further members beyond the delegation’s designated spokesperson, Mandla.
“I am not at any position at this point in time to say that but we are concerned with the resolution of what was taken but what we are saying as KZN, we are having now a mandate which was given to us by the KZN Athletics Council on the 8th that we must go to Comrades and sit down with them and iron out the differences,”
Official involvement and timelines
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has also sought to intervene, telling SABC Sport he plans to meet with the CMA, ASA and KZNA to help ensure the centenary event proceeds in the manner supporters expect. Buthelezi said the minister’s proposed engagement aligns with KZNA’s council resolution.
According to Buthelezi, steps by the delegation are expected by the end of September.
Local impact and questions for athletes
The dispute has practical implications for runners and clubs in KwaZulu‑Natal and nationally. With the race not formally sanctioned by ASA or the provincial body, competitors will not need athletics licences or formal club affiliation to enter. This raises questions about insurance, eligibility for other ASA‑sanctioned events, and recognition of performances under governing‑body rules.
Race organisers and the athletics bodies will need to clarify these points to participants. Athletes planning to travel to Durban or neighbouring towns for the event should look for official guidance from the CMA, ASA and KZNA about race-day procedures, medical cover and any implications for licenced competition.
Key dates and facts
Below is a concise summary of the timeline and figures referenced in the discussions so far:
| Date / item | Detail |
|---|---|
| 8 September | KZN Athletics Council gave a mandate to form a delegation to meet CMA |
| End of September | Delegation expected to have taken steps with CMA (per KZNA) |
| 2027 | Comrades Marathon centenary; entries open with projected field of 28 000 |
What stakeholders say and what's next
Buthelezi said the delegation will allow its appointed spokesperson to handle communications, signalling a co‑ordinated approach from KZNA. The minister’s willingness to engage suggests talks could include representatives from provincial and national government as mediators.
If talks succeed, the aim will be to re‑establish working relations that preserve the Comrades Marathon’s standing while addressing governance or sanctioning concerns raised by the athletics bodies. If they do not, athletes and clubs will need clear advice on the practical consequences for licence recognition and event safety protocols.
- Delegation: Formed by KZN Athletics Council on 8 September, will meet CMA next month.
- Race status: Not sanctioned by ASA or KZNA; entries open, 28 000 runners expected.
- Ministerial role: Gayton McKenzie plans to meet CMA, ASA and KZNA to help resolve the dispute.
For local runners and spectators planning to attend the historic 2027 race, monitoring official statements from the CMA, ASA and KZNA will be essential in the coming weeks. The outcome of the talks will have a direct bearing on how the centenary event is staged in KwaZulu‑Natal and how participants are accommodated under athletics regulations.
