Comrades 2020 date decision still pending
According to Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) chairperson Cheryl Winn, should the race be postponed, with sanction of Athletics South Africa, the CMA board agreed that it cannot be held later than 4 October owing to climatic conditions after this date
THE running of the 2020 Comrades Marathon remains in the balance.
Considering the ramifications of the national lockdown as Covid-19 infection numbers in South Africa and around the world continue to escalate, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that the 2020 Comrades will go ahead on 14 June.
According to Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) chairperson Cheryl Winn, should the race be postponed, with sanction of Athletics South Africa, the CMA board agreed that it cannot be held later than 4 October owing to climatic conditions after this date.
This would see the Comrades being cancelled for the first time since World War II in the 99-year history of the race.
Winn thanked all involved for their patience and apologised for the uncertainty.
‘We understand the frustration, uncertainty, fears and concerns our runners are experiencing.’
She said the CMA’s priority is the safety, health and welfare of the runners, staff, volunteers, sponsors, stakeholders and public at large.
‘To that end we are engaging closely with our national federation, ASA, for guidance and direction from our government as to the fate of Comrades 2020.
Winn added an alternative date would have to be found within an extremely congested athletics calendar, which will be no easy task.
The impact a new date will have on other events, availability of venues and other resources all need to be considered.
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