If the Comrades Marathon is to be believed, the historic 100th running of the race will take place on June 13, 2027.

In a statement released on Wednesday, July 15, the organisers confirmed the date despite protestations by KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) that they must approve the race date. It was previously announced that the race date had been approved by the national body, Athletics South Africa, after the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) withdrew its membership of KZNA over a dispute around R4-million in levies that KZNA claims are owed to it by CMA. This week ASA changed their mind, confirming that the provincial body must now approve the race date.

The CMA confirmed in a statement that at a meeting on July 10 between ASA, KZNA and the CMA, ‘several matters were discussed’ and that the meeting ended ‘on a positive note, and discussions are ongoing’. The CMA has called a Special General Meeting with its members to decide on the way forward over the dispute with the provincial federation.

“The Comrades Marathon is bigger than any person or organisation,” CMA Chairperson, Mark Leathers, said. “The CMA remains dedicated to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders in the best interests of the sport, the running community, and all who hold the Comrades Marathon dear.”

“All options will be thoroughly discussed at the upcoming SGM, following which the CMA will announce its plans for the road forward.”

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