The world-famous Comrades Marathon will no longer be run on Youth Day, Athletics South Africa (ASA) announced on Thursday.
The race will be held on Sunday June 17 next year and on Sunday June 15 the following year. In 2009, it will be held on Sunday June 14, ASA president Leonard Chuene said.
”We will, however, need to consult further with regard to the potential impact of the [Soccer] World Cup before making any announcement regarding a date for 2010,” said Comrades chairperson Dave Dixon.
The decision was the consequence of a fierce debate about the appropriateness of staging an event of the magnitude of the Comrades Marathon on June 16, one of the most significant and sanctified days in South Africa’s history.
”We have arrived at dates which will create a minimal disruption to other road users, residents and local enterprise, will be well-received by the road-running community and which will enable us to retain a strong association with Youth Day without actually detracting from other commemorations on the day,” said Dixon.
Chuene played down suggestions that political pressure was behind the move.
”The reason is simple. Several political parties and the youth leagues have suggested that the day is losing its focus. The Comrades belongs to everyone, we are all South Africans and that day is important to everybody. That is how we have viewed it.”
Commenting on the potential backlash from religious groups about running the race on a Sunday, Chuene replied: ”We have looked at running the race on a Sunday. Soccer is played on that day; all of the central Gauteng road races are run on Sunday without complaint. We believe that we have taken notice of all the activities on this day.” — Sapa