KZN Athletics threatens to cancel 2025 Comrades Marathon
“If these are the games you want to play and not be subject to the authority of ASA or KZNA, then the race next year will not happen,'" says KZNA President Steve Mkasi.
Jogging, running, exercise / Pixabay: kinkate 2343558 1280
Lester Kiewit interviews Stuart Mann, a distance-running blogger.
Listen below.
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One of South Africa's most cherished sporting events is embroiled in controversy.
Legal documents reveal that the president of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics has threatened to cancel the Comrades Marathon if certain demands remain unmet.
According to Mann, following a High Court ruling on 14 August, KZNA President Steve Mkasi reportedly told attorney Mark Leathers, “If these are the games you want to play and not be subject to the authority of ASA or KZNA, then the race next year will not happen.”
Despite these threats, Mann believes it unlikely the 2025 race will be cancelled, given its significant impact on the local economy and its integral role in South African culture.
"I would really hope that one person's petulance can't cancel the Comrades Marathon."
- Stuart Mann, distance-running blogger
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.