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Comrades Marathon will now allow unvaccinated runners to participate in the down run in August, the race organisers confirmed on Wednesday.
This followed the announcement of new adjustments to the Covid-19 restrictions under level 1 by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday night.
At the launch of the 95th edition last month, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) said only the fully vaccinated runners would be allowed to enter the race. But the CMA revisited some of its requirements to align with government’s lifting of some restrictions to allow unvaccinated runners to enter the popular ultra-race that is back after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19.
The race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in KwaZulu-Natal takes place on August 28.
Runners will not be required to wear face masks when outdoors.
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In a statement, CMA chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo said the Comrades would allow unvaccinated runners to race on condition they provided proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of the race and the runners would cover the cost.
The same rules would apply to volunteers and visitors to the three-day Comrades expo, scheduled from August 25-27.
Ngcobo added:
“Should government regulations or Athletics SA guidelines change prior to race day, the CMA will likewise apply the regulations applicable at that time.”
International athletes would be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours on arrival, he said.
“The unvaccinated visitors to South Africa will be offered a vaccination on arrival if they so wish,” added the CMA statement.
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Meanwhile, the president also on announced that stadiums would be reopen for professional sporting events at a 50% capacity.
To qualify for this, those attending should prove that they are vaccinated or have tested negative for Covid-19. The lifting of the national state of disaster was also imminent but this would only happen after public comments have been completed on the proposed new health regulations.
“The approach now is that both indoor and outdoor venues can take up to 50% of their capacity, provided the criteria for entrance to those venues is proof of vaccination or a Covid-19 test not older than 72 hours,” said Ramaphosa on Tuesday.
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