Joe Morris – SA road running is dying

Morris, who turns 74 in January, told SABC Sport that road running was once the heartbeat of South African athletics, attracting strong corporate backing and widespread public interest.

He says that support has since dried up, with both elite performances and mass participation steadily dropping.

Morris has raised concerns about the current state of administration and feels urgent change is needed, both in boardrooms and on the road-running circuit itself.

"I think we are dying. South African Road Running was once admired by the world. We were seen as the best country when it comes to road running, but now we have dwindled and we've become mediocre.

"World Athletics looks to South Africa as the right road model for Africa, but we are losing touch, which we shouldn't allow, because we want to say we've hosted an Olympic Games for example one day."

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While contesting for the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) deputy president position at the upcoming elections, Morris stressed that the future of the sport lies with younger leaders.

He said his intention is not to lead at his age, but rather to offer guidance and support to the next generation, whom he believes should be steering athletics forward at both provincial and national level.

Morris, who served on one of Athletics South Africa’s first boards after the advent of democracy, also shared words of advice with current administrators.

He emphasised the importance of integrity, accountability and service to the sport, saying administrators must always remember why they are in athletics in the first place.

He added that South Africa has the capacity to host major athletics events if leaders are willing to work together.

Morris believes there is no shortage of administrative talent in the country and that unity and cooperation could help the sport reach new milestones.