Members of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) overwhelmingly voted to maintain independent governance, rejecting re-affiliation with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics in a decisive Special General Meeting.
More than 1,000 CMA members participated in the Special General Meeting (SGM) held on Saturday at Comrades House in Pietermaritzburg to consider the association’s strategic relationship with KZNA and Athletics South Africa (ASA).
The meeting followed a request from ASA for the CMA Board to refer a decision made at the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November 2025 back to members for reconsideration.
At that AGM, members resolved to withdraw the CMA’s status as a Special Member of KZNA and instead pursue direct affiliation with ASA. However, ASA later advised that direct affiliation would not be permitted and encouraged the CMA to engage with KZNA to resolve outstanding issues.
After a meeting involving the CMA, KZNA and ASA on July 10, the CMA Board agreed to return the matter to members for a fresh mandate.
Members responded decisively.
In the first resolution, members were asked to choose between an accommodative approach towards provincial and national athletics structures or a firm “CMA-first and Comrades Marathon-first” approach that prioritises the Association’s governance, ethics, financial responsibility and the interests of the race.
The CMA-first option received 873 votes (79.22%), while 229 members (20.78%) supported the accommodative approach, from a total of 1,102 votes cast.
The second resolution sought approval for the CMA to re-affiliate with KZNA. Members rejected the proposal, with 694 votes (67.25%) against re-affiliation and 338 votes (32.75%) in favour. A total of 1,032 votes were cast, with 74 abstentions.
CMA Board Chairperson Mark Leathers said the outcome reflected members’ confidence in the Association’s ability to determine its own future.
He said the latest vote reinforced the mandate members had already given the board.
“Our members have once again confirmed their preference for the CMA to chart its own course. We are confident that we have the resources, experience, and commitment to continue presenting a world-class event, and we are excited about next year’s centenary edition of the race on 13 June 2027.”
He added that while the association had reaffirmed its independent stance, it remained committed to maintaining constructive relationships with athletics authorities.
“The CMA remains willing to engage constructively with all parties for the betterment of the sport, the event, and the broader running community, and the door remains open for further discussions with KZNA and ASA.”
Leathers also thanked members for participating in the decision-making process.
“In recent years, CMA Membership has grown significantly as more runners and volunteers have expressed their desire to be involved in the running of this great event. We thank all who exercised their right to participate in this process, and for giving us a clear mandate on the way forward.”
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to both the running community and the historic race.
“The Comrades Marathon will always be part of the larger running community of South Africa. The CMA will continue to act in the best interests of the event and its participants, and remains committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders in the sport. We look forward to delivering an unforgettable Centenary Edition in 2027.”
Sunday Tribune
