Athletics South Africa (ASA) has taken a significant step in an attempt to resolve the escalating conflict with the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) by recommending a review of the race organizer's previous application for direct membership in the national federation.
This development comes amid growing pressure on both organizations to restore broken relations. The SASCOC is acting as a mediator in this process, and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is also actively involved.
In a circular addressed to ASA's general membership on Friday, it was acknowledged that the preferred solution—restoring previous working relations between CMA and KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA)—is unlikely in the near future.
The circular stated: 'ASA's position has always been that KZNA and CMA must make every effort to reach an agreement and restore the working relationship that existed for many years.' However, the ASA Council concluded that this wish may be unattainable under current circumstances.
Consequently, the ASA Council advised its membership to consider approving CMA's application for direct membership in ASA, if one was previously submitted.
This proposal is significant because CMA insists on more direct ties with ASA instead of operating through KZNA, which ASA recognizes as its provincial member responsible for athletics in KwaZulu-Natal.
Comrades Marathon has increasingly found itself at the center of this dispute after ASA confirmed earlier this month that the centenary race in 2027 was not sanctioned and has been excluded from the official athletics calendar.
Nevertheless, CMA insists on holding the race and maintains that runners will not require an ASA license to participate in the 2027 event.
ASA's latest stance is not an immediate decision. The Council's recommendation must be reviewed and approved by the ASA General Council, which has announced an urgent Special General Meeting for Monday, August 31st, at 18:30 to vote on the matter.
The timing of this event is important as the broader dispute has attracted the attention of the government and SASCOC. ASA states that restoring relations is vital 'to demonstrate to the sporting community that unity is possible in sport' and to satisfy stakeholders, including the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and SASCOC, which was appointed as mediator and minister's advisor.
However, the proposed compromise contains an important condition regarding KZNA. The circular states: 'ASA will not withdraw KZNA from oversight and financial interest in the revenue generated from the race.'
This implies that the national federation is trying to find a structure that could provide CMA with direct relations with ASA while preserving KZNA's role as the recognized provincial athletics body. ASA also noted the national and international significance of Comrades Marathon, mentioning the participation of athletes from all over South Africa and around the world.
CMA has repeatedly stated that the runner is the priority and has invited ASA and KZNA to return to discussions when they can determine their contribution to the new relationship.
The federation's latest move may open opportunities for these discussions, although immediate focus will be on the Special General Meeting on Monday. Until then, Comrades 2027 remains outside the official ASA calendar and is not sanctioned by the national federation, despite CMA continuing preparations for the centenary run on June 13, 2027.
The race has already generated unprecedented interest: the first registration windows for Green and Yellow bib holders sold out in just seven hours.