Vaccination requirement eased for Comrades 2022

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced that, in line with changes to the regulations of the management of the coronavirus pandemic in the country, it is revising its stance on the participation of unvaccinated athletes in the 2022 Comrades Marathon.

This announcement comes in the wake of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation last week, announcing some key changes to the restrictions which government had put in place to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

CMA chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo has advised that the association will allow unvaccinated runners to run the 2022 Comrades on condition that they provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of Comrades race day, at their own cost.

The same rules will apply to all runners, volunteers and visitors to the three-day Comrades Expo, scheduled for race week (August 25-27).

Ngcobo has advised that the CMA will continue to comply with government regulations, applicable at all times, in order to safeguard the health and safety of runners, supporters, officials and the public at large. Should government regulations or Athletics South Africa guidelines change prior to race day, the CMA will likewise apply the regulations applicable at that time.

President Ramaphosa also signaled an imminent end to the national state of disaster. Part of the revised regulations means that runners will not be required to wear face masks when outdoors as well as adjusted social distancing directives.

Comrades international athletes are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours, when entering the country, while all unvaccinated visitors to South Africa would be offered a vaccination on arrival if they so wish.

The 95th Comrades Marathon will be a Down Run on Sunday, August 28. The race starts at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 5.30pm and ends 12 hours later at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, covering a 90.2km distance. This will be the 47th Down Run in Comrades history.