Comrades Marathon Association votes to cut ties with KZNA and ASA

Members of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) have voted overwhelmingly to cut ties with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) and Athletics South Africa (ASA) amid outrage over what they believe are attempts to take control of the iconic race and exploit major running events for financial gain. According toThe Witness, the resolutions were adopted during a packed special general meeting at Comrades House in Scottsville yesterday (August 1), as the association prepares for the historic 100th running of the world’s oldest ultramarathon in 2027. Multiple sources who attended the meeting confirmed the outcome and said members had raised serious concerns about placing the well-established and financially successful Comrades Marathon under the influence of sporting bodies battling leadership and governance problems.

The presidents of both organisations are currently suspended. ASA president James Moloi remains suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings, while KZNA president Steve Mkasi was suspended in July following a physical altercation with an athlete. Both suspensions are precautionary and do not constitute findings of guilt.

Members were also angered by a leaked ASA memorandum that proposes increasing the federation’s financial involvement in the country’s biggest road races. The memorandum, dated June 18, 2026, and signed by acting ASA chief executive Terrence Magogodela, argues that international races should fall under ASA’s jurisdiction because of the federation’s exposure to athletes participating in them. It identifies the Comrades Marathon, Two Oceans Marathon, Cape Town Marathon, Soweto Marathon, Durban Marathon, and the SPAR and Absa series as events of national interest.

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The document also proposes establishing a private company to generate profits from international events, sponsorships, broadcasting rights and other commercial opportunities. They said many members believed the CMA had built the Comrades Marathon into one of the world’s leading ultramarathons and should not surrender control of the event to organisations whose own governance and financial affairs had repeatedly come under scrutiny.

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