Kwazulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) has confirmed that it has withdrawn the entries of over 100 athletes who fabricated their qualifying times for the much-anticipated 2024 Comrades Marathon.
The annual race is set to get underway from Durban City Hall to Pietermaritzburg in KZN on Sunday morning.
Late last month, KZN Athletics issued a stern warning to aspirant runners who submitted “false qualifying information” to the Comrades Marathon Association.
Ahead of the race, KZNA gave athletes a deadline of May 27 to withdraw their names from the Comrades Marathon 2024.
About 148 have since withdrawn their entries
KZNA has since announced that out of 169 culprit athletes, about 148 have since withdrawn their entries.
KZNA president Steve Mkasi expressed his disappointment. He said the runners found guilty would be named, shamed and banned from taking part in the prestigious race.
“KZNA regards this behaviour as a very serious misconduct. Particularly after the athletes were warned and afforded an opportunity to retract their entries,” Mkasi said in a statement.
“This conduct undermines the efforts made thus far in developing and promoting our beautiful running sport.
“[It] brings the sport of running into disrepute. Therefore, these athletes will be named, shamed and banned from participating in the 2024 Comrades Marathon. This is among other [measures taken].
Supplied false qualifying information
“We would like to thank the clubs and athletes who cooperated with the investigation.
“According to evidence presented to KZNA, the athletes supplied false qualifying information. It was supplied to Comrades Marathon Association to secure an entry for the Comrades Marathon 2024.”
The athletes are:
Anthony Naguriah – Team Vitality CG
Malebo Manyala – Teemaneng Running Club
Garth Pillay – Totalsports VOB Running Club
Ivy Mthombeni – Correctional Services LIM
Kabelo Moremi – Slyza AC GN
Katai Chola – Zambian Entrant
Mandlakayise Mabaso – N/A
Moses Jabulani Makhoba – Run Zone
Musonda Kabemba – Lusaka Fitness Squad
Nqobile Mhlanga – Arcadia Running Club GN
Premjith Ramsurrup – Mount Edgcombe Villages KZN
Pule Mokoena – Meyerton AC
Themba E Motha – Run Walk for Life NWN
Thembi Masotla – Airports Company of SA
Veekay Ndamase – SAPS Striders Border
Nhlanhla Mlitwa – Waterfall AC
Babalo Mvula – Chillie Running Club Border
Henry Mvelase – Escourt AC
Kumar Govender – Mount Edgecombe Villagers
Moleboheng Mamorena Mdalanamayisela – Soweto Cabal AC
Alnord Mtshali – SAPS KZN AC
