The Sunday Mail
DESPITE a massive boost in prize money for breaking the up-run record in the men’s and women’s races in 2015, the Comrades Marathon is still dealing with allegations of cheating from the 2013 race.
There were reports of 31 non-elite athletes accused of cheating in the 2013 race, and the disciplinary process was carried out by KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), but had still not been concluded with entries for the 2015 race opening on September 1.
“Comrades’ name is taking a beating with regard to that [cheating allegations],” said Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) race director Rowyn James at the launch of the 90th edition of the race at Monte Casino on Thursday.
“It is concerning for Comrades about the length of the process, and obviously Comrades is at the forefront of the issue because that is where the cheating took place.
“We’d certainly like to see a conclusion to that process as quickly as possible.”
KZNA president Sello Mokoena said the allegations of cheating only came to the association’s attention at the end of March this year and was the reason behind the slow disciplinary process.
“The matter came to our attention at the end of March this year, by that time for the 2014 event entries had been done,” said Mokoena.
“So we started a process of investigation, and then there is a disciplinary team dealing with that and gathering evidence from the 31 cases that were reported, and is down now to under 20.”
Mokoena said the 2013 disciplinary process had to be delayed so it would not interfere with the 2014 race.
“The process was halted so the event could take place, so runners could make travel arrangements.
“That process picked up again last month after the Comrades marathon. It should be concluded by the end of this month, but certainly before the end of September.”
Clearly not satisfied with the duration of disciplinary proceedings, James said he would be handling future allegations of cheating starting with the 2014 race.
“There’s been allegations of cheating from 2009 right up until now,” said James.
“That process sits with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics in terms of doing the disciplinary process. In terms of the 2014 race, I’ve been mandated by the Comrades Marathon Association board to actually do the investigation myself for the 2014 race and going on, just to try and speed up the process.” — Sapa.
