Twenty-five athletes have been disqualified from this Sunday's 96th Comrades Marathon after it was found that they had supplied false qualifying times.
The Race Director for the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), Rowyn James says as a result they will also be suspended from entering the race for the next two years.
He says runners found to have been cheating in any way, be it via submitting false qualifying details or in the race itself are tarnishing the reputation of the sport.
James says this is also an act of disrespecting fellow athletes.
The CMA says the disqualified athletes are from various clubs, whom they have named.
Phuma KZN AC
Protea Striders
Save Orion AC
Sasolburg AC
Celtic Harriers
Chillie Running Club CG
Chiltern AC
Collegians Harriers
Diepkloof AC
Irene Athletics Club
Jozi X Training
Run Walk For Life NWN
Run Zone AC
SAPG AC
Sunward Striders AC,
Team Vitality Club KZN
Thorn Tree Striders
Top Runner AC
Woodview AC.
James says the running clubs' management has been notified of the suspensions.
"The CMA will not tolerate cheating in any form. It is incumbent upon every athlete to honour the ethical code and ethos of the sport. We promote fair sport and to this end are continuing with investigations into other alleged transgressors, the outcome of which will be announced in due course," he said.
