CMA
The Comrades Marathon Association said on Thursday that an investigation is underway into allegations of cheating during the 2024 event.
Race and Operations manager, Ann Ashworth, said the CMA was also looking into information received from athletes and clubs regarding the submission of fraudulent qualifying information.
She said while the association was aware of various social media posts allegedly exposing several athletes cheating at the event, they have yet to communicate the full and final outcome of its investigations to KwaZulu-Natal Athletics.
The athletes involved were also not yet publicly identified.
Ashworth said the CMA was currently working through the full set of electronic results provided by FinishTime with a view to identifying any anomalies or inconsistencies.
"Our Office is also working through data which suggests that several athletes missed the non-disclosed (or secret) timing points along the route, the purpose of which was to identify runners who engaged in course cutting. All inconsistencies will then be compared to any photographic evidence available."
Ashworth has also indicated that the CMA is aware of a problem which occurred at the first timing point (approximately 5km) and assures athletes that the absence of a timing reading at this particular point is not necessarily indicative of course cutting.
Ashworth has said that: "The CMA hopes to conclude its investigations over the next few days after which the names of all race day cheats will be provided to KwaZulu-Natal Athletics for disciplinary action."
#TBT to #Comrades2024 ???????? . Your dreams did not come to reality through magic, it took sweat, determination and hard work to cross the finish line. You deserve to be celebrated. #NoDoubt you are a conqueror! #Nakanjani pic.twitter.com/YZYIR2ZiKy
— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) June 20, 2024
