Central Gauteng Athletics distances itself from Soweto Marathon Trust

The federation says it will no longer recognise or work with the SMT until administrative issues are resolved.

Speaking through a formal statement, CGA confirmed that this year’s edition will be hosted by a newly formed Non-Profit Company.

“After careful consideration, CGA supports ASA’s decision that the Soweto Marathon Trust can no longer be recognised as the official host of the race,” read the statement.

The announcement comes as tensions continue to mount between Athletics South Africa, CGA, and expelled SMT members Sello Khunou and Ashe Sadike.

Both men continue to claim rights to organise and host the event through the SMT, despite CGA’s decision to transfer race control to the NPC.

The popular People’s Race is scheduled for 29 November at Nasrec, featuring distances of 42.2km, 21.1km, and 10km.

READ: Edward Mothibi rules out Soweto Marathon amid hosting row

CGA has assured runners that the race will proceed as planned and that safety measures are in place for all participants.

“Security will be tightened to ensure the event proceeds smoothly,” the federation confirmed.

Suspended SMT spokesperson Stan Itshegetseng, however, has rejected the decision and maintains that the Trust remains the rightful organiser of the event.

“Our efforts to assist and mediate to find a lasting solution has on numerous attempts been rejected and appended by apparent defiance from the SMT,” CGA stated.

Itshegetseng told SABC Sport that he refuses to accept the suspension and warned that the marathon cannot take place without the Trust’s involvement.

“I speak from the streets and trenches of Soweto. We refuse to be silent, silence is for cowards. We are the people who trained in dustbins, ran past curfew and ran when the roads were dangerous," he said. 

"The Soweto Marathon was stolen and hijacked, and it will not happen without us. Only the SMT has the right to organise the race, and we will not back down."

CGA insists it remains the governing structure of athletics in the province and that it will continue to act under ASA’s directive until the matter is resolved.