By Nushera Soodya.
The Comrades Marathon Association says it’s investigating allegations of cheating in this year’s edition of the ultra-marathon.
Earlier this month, some 20,000 runners took part in the Ultimate Human Race, an up-run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
The CMA says it received numerous tip-offs about instances of possible cheating by some runners during the race on 9 June.
The association says it’s working through the electronic results to identify any inconsistencies.
It’s also working through data which it says suggests that several athletes missed secret timing points along the route.
“We are currently working through the full set of electronic results provided to us by FinishTime with a view to identifying any anomalies or inconsistencies within the results,” says CMA Race and Operations Manager, Ann Ashworth.
“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.”
Claims that some participants submitted fraudulent qualifying information are also being looked into.
The association says it has not publicly identified athletes it suspects of cheating.
Ashworth said: “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.”