Comrades runs into dead end

THE Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced the decision to cancel the 2021 staging of the Comrades Marathon due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The CMA said in a statement: “The CMA Board has regrettably announced its decision to cancel the Comrades Marathon Centenary Race scheduled for 13 June 2021. This is owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. CMA chairperson Cheryl Winn has urged runners to accept and respect the CMA’s decision which has been made in conjunction with KZNA (KwaZulu-Natal Athletics), ASA (Athletics SA), and government restrictions, and most importantly, with the utmost regard for the health and welfare of our athletes, volunteers and all other stakeholders.”

In 2020, the event was cancelled for the first time since World War 2.

As one of ASA’s largest forms of income, the Comrades Marathon cancellation will come as another heavy blow for the sporting body.

In 2019, the race reportedly earned R700 million.

This year’s staging of the event would have been the 95th edition, and would have started in Pietermaritzburg and ended in Durban.

The CMA was also formed in 1921, meaning it will be celebrating its centenary this year.

Last week, the Two Oceans Marathon scheduled for April was also cancelled due to Covid-19.

SA’s Gerda Steyn will once again be forced to put her title defence on ice, as she is the defending champion in both the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon.