🔥 Trending Comrades Marathon Date Controversy: What You Need to Know

The 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon, scheduled for 2027, is currently under threat due to a dispute between KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) and the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) ¹³⁴. This conflict primarily revolves around the sanctioning of the race and the approval of its dates for 2027 and 2028 ²⁵.

Key Developments in the Dispute

• Cease-and-Desist Letter: KZNA has issued a cease-and-desist letter to the CMA, threatening to block or cancel the 100th edition of the iconic ultra-marathon in 2027 ¹³⁴.
• Lack of Proper Sanctioning: KZNA argues that the event has not been properly sanctioned by the provincial body ¹.
• Legal Action Threat: KZNA is threatening legal action to prevent the 2027 Comrades Marathon from taking place unless the issue is resolved ⁷.
• CMA's Stance: The CMA maintains that it has received the necessary approval from Athletics South Africa (ASA), which has sanctioned the proposed race dates for both 2027 and 2028 at a national level. Therefore, the CMA believes it has the authority to proceed with its plans ⁷.
• ASA's Involvement: Athletics South Africa (ASA) has sided with KZNA in the dispute over the approval of race dates ². On Friday, July 10, 2026, ASA met with the CMA and KZNA in Durban to discuss the Comrades Marathon race date and related governance processes ⁶.

The dispute centers on the authority to approve race dates and the proper sanctioning channels, with KZNA asserting its provincial jurisdiction and the CMA relying on national-level approval from ASA ¹²⁷. The 100th Comrades Marathon, a significant milestone for the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon, remains in jeopardy until this conflict is resolved ¹⁸.