Comrades to lose comradeship

2008-06-08 22:33

Sarel van der Walt

Pretoria - The Comrades marathon will lose some of its comradeship this year - in an effort to save lives.

An International Amateur Athletics Federation rule that runners may not drag others across the finish line will be strictly enforced when the 2008 Comrades takes place on Sunday.

The Comrades Marathon Association has decided, after the death of two athletes during last year's race, to ensure the rule is adhered to.

William Malapi, 48, of Worcester, and the 34-year-old Michael Gordon of Gauteng died last year shortly after being assisted to cross the line.

Dramatic scenes of runners dragging, carrying and pushing their friends across the line have become, over many years, synonymous with the Comrades.

"We don't want to detract from the wonderful spirit of the Comrades but we want to ensure that athletes who need medical treatment urgently receive it as soon as possible," says race director Renee Jordaan.

"In instances of that nature, rapid medical assistance and treatment are more important than the Comrades' spirit of camaraderie," she added.

"We won't take action when athletes place a hand on someone's shoulder or when they link arms, because that is part of the Comrades spirit. But we will intervene when an athlete is unable to cross the line on his or her own."

Spirit of the race

Runners who, for instance, pick up others and carry them across the line will be disqualified from now on.

The IAAF rule has been in existence for many years but Comrades officials have, in the spirit of the race, never enforced it strictly.

Approximately 11 500 runners will take part in the 89km marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

There will be eight medical stations along the route. Ambulances and helicopters will be on standby to take seriously ill or injured participants to hospital.

About 40 doctors and 20 nurses will be on duty at the well-equipped medical centre at the finish.

"The most important thing that athletes should do is to ensure they are well prepared," said Jordaan.

"If they have any doubts about their health they must consult their doctor or a cardiologist before the race."

- Beeld