In South Africa, the national athletics governing body Athletics South Africa (ASA) said it will not sanction the 2027 Comrades Marathon ultramarathon. The race is set to become the 100th in the event’s history, but the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) said it will take place regardless, reports Daily Maverick.
Dispute with athletics bodies
The conflict arose after CMA ended its affiliation with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) in November 2025. At a special general meeting, more than a thousand association members confirmed the decision: 694 participants voted against restoring the affiliation, while 338 voted in favor.
ASA said CMA had not recognized or complied with the governance system and regulatory requirements in athletics. The organization stated that the 100th Comrades Marathon had not been authorized or sanctioned through KZNA and distanced itself from the organization, administration and staging of the event.
CMA chairperson Mark Lethers said ASA, KZNA and CMA agree that the association has the legal right to hold the race next year. According to him, CMA is ready to cooperate with athletics structures, but only in a partnership format.
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Qualification and participation rules
The qualification period for the 2027 Comrades Marathon will run from June 15, 2026, to May 3, 2027. Runners may register before qualifying, but must complete an approved qualifying race and submit their result details by the deadline.
To qualify, runners must complete an officially timed 42.2 km marathon in under five hours. Lethers said the vast majority of qualifying races are expected to remain sanctioned through provincial and national athletics structures. There were 138 such races last year.
To take part in qualifying races, runners will generally still need club membership and a license. However, a license number is no longer required when registering for Comrades itself. Club colors are also no longer mandatory, although participants are advised to retain them. CMA may draw officials from a wider pool and works directly with the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport on anti-doping measures.
A record 28,000 participants are expected in the race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The 2027 edition will also be the 50th Down Run.
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