CMA: Comrades not under threat
2007-06-15 12:09
Durban - With less than 48 hours to the start of the 82nd Comrades Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on Sunday the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has not received any direct threat from those involved in the current Industrial Strike action about possible disruptions to the race.
Gary Boshoff, general manager of the CMA said that there was no doubt whatsoever that the Comrades run will go ahead as scheduled and they are sure that everything will go along smoothly as planned.
Speaking at a media briefing in Durban on Friday, Boshoff said: "The CMA has thus far not received any direct communication about any potential disruptions. But we have taken note of comments made in the media quoting various sources as warning that the 2007 Comrades is not immune from targeting."
Boshoff added: "Should there be any threat of disruption between now and the start of the race on Sunday morning it will be addressed by the KwaZulu-Natal Athletics and Athletics South Africa as and when required.
"Meanwhile the CMA is continuing with normal preparations which include a review of contingency measures in the event of any unforeseen problems occurring."
He confirmed that "all strategic structures were in place and that at all times the safety of runners was at heart".
He said that included in the 12 000 starters from the Maritzburg City Hall at 05:30 on Sunday there were 450 foreign athletes.
"Risk management structures and plans to meet any contingency, especially should there be a major disaster, were well in hand in and line with all previous modern day Comrades Marathons."
He outlined as a major factor concerns from some competitors about the medical support on the day in the light of the industrial action.
"Nothing has changed. Our medical partners Netcare 911 are not involved in strike action and will be on patrol at all stages of the race as well as being served by a helicopter rescue ambulance.
"In addition there are 50 rescue busses available all along the route to meet all medical emergencies.
"In this regard every runner can feel perfectly safe."
In another development the CMA and the KZN Department of Transport have embarked on a campaign aimed to ensure that runners are safe on the roads. The campaign is to be dubbed Asiphephe which means 'to be safe'.
In this regard the association has called on all South Africans to come out and support the greatest ultra-marathon in the world - the 2007 Comrades.
- SAPA