The Comrades Marathon Association has condemned incidents of abuse hurled at Israeli runners at Sunday’s event.
“Our mission is to host a safe and inclusive event for all participants. We regret any instances where individuals may have felt unsafe or targeted, regardless of nationality, race, religion or political affiliation,” the CMA said.
On Sunday, a group of pro-Palestine supporters held a peaceful demonstration in Sherwood, however when Israeli runners were making their way past the area, they were verbally attacked.
The CMA said it does not condone any form of discrimination, harassment, or conduct that compromises the dignity or safety of any runner.
“Further to this, we urge those engaging or commenting publicly to verify facts before circulating claims that are inaccurate or misleading,” the CMA added.
“The Comrades Marathon is a race, not a rally. The CMA is, and has always been, politically neutral, and we ask all participants, spectators, volunteers and partners to respect that position. Operational protocols, including those governing conduct along the route, are continuously reviewed to ensure alignment with our values and relevant legal frameworks,” the CMA said.
It said before and after Sunday’s event, organisers met with various stakeholders and made it clear that the marathon is not a platform for partisanship.
“The essence of the Comrades lies in its ability to connect people across divides – national, racial, religious and political – through a shared celebration of human perseverance and possibility. It is this legacy we are committed to protecting. We recognise that global events can shape individual experiences and perspectives, and we hold space for that, but our role is not to resolve international conflict – it is to provide a platform for unity through sport,” the CMA stated.
The South African Jewish Board has also condemned the incidents.
“The harassment of these athletes exemplifies the anti-Israeli movement’s unwanted and unconstitutional exploitation of public spaces to antagonise and intimidate those who challenge its narrow political bent. These theatrical displays do not contribute to improving or saving a single life in Gaza,” said the SA Jewish Board of Deputies national director, Wendy Kahn.
The athletes’ inclusion in the annual race was slammed by the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in KwaZulu-Natal.
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