Comrades Marathon to Run Independently After Split From Athletics Bodies

The Comrades Marathon Association has formally severed its ties with Athletics South Africa and KwaZuluNatal Athletics, declaring it will organize the iconic ultramarathon independently. This decision, made after a member vote on August 1, 2026, comes as the race approaches its centenary edition in 2027 and follows a protracted dispute over governance, sanctioning, and financial claims.

The split escalated after the CMA, which had been a special member of KZNA, withdrew its affiliation in November 2025 and sought direct membership with ASA. A conflict over race dates ensued, with ASA declaring previously approved dates "null and void" after a meeting on July 10, 2026. On July 17, ASA refused the CMA's request for direct affiliation, insisting it must go through the provincial federation. KZNA also filed a cease-and-desist order and claimed the CMA owed over R4 million in revenue from the 2026 event, a claim the CMA disputed.

In response, the CMA held a special general meeting on August 1, 2026, where more than 1,000 members voted overwhelmingly for a "CMA-first approach" and against reaffiliation with KZNA. The vote saw 873 members support the independent path, while 229 favored...