Comrades Marathon Investigates Allegations Of Cheating In Recent Race

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is currently investigating claims of cheating during this year’s race, which took place earlier this month. In addition, there are allegations of fraudulent qualifications submitted to enter the ultra-marathon.

This has raised concerns among the running community and prompted the CMA to take serious actions.

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According to Ann Ashworth, the race and operations manager for CMA, the association is meticulously reviewing the electronic results provided by FinishTime.

The goal is to identify any anomalies or inconsistencies within the results. Ashworth stated, “Our office is also working through data which suggests 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 be compared to any photographic evidence available.”

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A significant issue was noted with the first timing point at about 5km, which was found to be faulty. Ashworth assured that not getting a reading at this point does not necessarily indicate course cutting.

Meanwhile, race analyst Mark Dowdeswell, an academic from Wits University, has developed a program to detect anomalies in race patterns. He has highlighted three runners who he believes cheated, noting suspicious data from past races as well.

The CMA hopes to conclude its investigations in the coming days. Once the investigation is complete, the names of all race-day cheats will be provided to KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) for disciplinary action.

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KZNA is responsible for taking actions against the cheats. Dowdeswell pointed out that two runners missed timing mats at Umlaas Road and Mkondeni but still reached the finish line, raising further suspicions.

The running community is eagerly awaiting the results of these investigations. The actions taken by the CMA and KZNA will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the Comrades Marathon, ensuring fair play and honouring the spirit of this prestigious event.

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