John Mathane warns Comrades Marathon cannot become a fun run

Tensions between the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) and KwaZulu-Natal Athletics recently forced ASA to step in and mediate between the two parties. 

The dispute threatened the 2027 race scheduled for 13 June, which will mark the historic 100th edition from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mathane stressed that the CMA cannot operate in isolation and must respect the rules, structures, and authority of both the provincial and national athletics bodies.

"The Comrades Marathon will take place next year, but the only thing that needs to happen is the Comrades Marathon Association must learn to respect the provincial and national affiliates. The reason why the CMA is fighting KZN Athletics is because KZN is waiting for their levies and CMA should make payment, but the individuals at the CMA feel that they cannot pay the levies.

"The Comrades Marathon can never be on its own, it is part of athletics and we are more than willing to mediate and to intervene where there are challenges. People should respect the regulations stipulated by Athletics South Africa."

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Mathane, who is also the president of Athletics Gauteng North, urged CMA chairman Mark Leathers to abandon any plans of making the Comrades Marathon a stand-alone event without the involvement of ASA and KZN Athletics.

The CMA has reportedly considered organising the race independently, but Mathane believes such a move would be a serious mistake that could damage the future of the famous ultramarathon.

ASA, KZN Athletics, and the Comrades Marathon Association held a tense meeting aimed at resolving their differences after ASA intervened to restore stability.

Mathane told the national broadcaster that the national federation led the mediation process and encouraged both parties to work together in the interests of the race and South African athletics. 

The CMA is expected to decide next month whether it will remain under the current structure or pursue another route. 

Mathane, who has been acting as ASA president since October, said the CMA acted too quickly by approaching ASA directly and bypassing its provincial federation.

He believes the association received poor advice from outsiders and insists that the correct solution is for all stakeholders to respect the athletics structures and work together.