Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) has dismissed as false rumours that there were positive doping results in the 2022 Comrades Marathon.
KZNA president Steve Mkasi said in a statement on Sunday, that the provincial athletics body had been made aware of rumours circulating in certain athletics quarters of positive doping results in this year’s Comrades Marathon.
“We would like to confirm that there is no basis to these rumours,” he said.
Mkasi said there were stringent doping tests and processes that were carried out by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS).
He said the results were released a few weeks ago, clearing the top10 athletes in both male and female races.
“These stringent drug tests are doubly verified if any questions or doubts arise in the initial tests and as the provincial athletics association, we are confident that all due processes have been followed and see no reason for such rumours to be perpetuated,” said Mkasi.
KZNA takes the good reputation of the sport of athletics in this province very seriously, he said.
“It is our added responsibility that we uphold the credibility and respect for road-running, especially that of the world-famous Comrades Marathon,” he said.
Mkasi added that all prize winners, be they South African or international, have been paid their prize money.
Last month The Mercury reported that the KZNA had completed the initial investigations into alleged cheating in this year’s Comrades Marathon.
A total of nine runners stand to be disqualified from the 2022 race.
According to the athletics body, the majority of misdemeanours related to athletes not running the entire 90km course, allowing other athletes to run with their race bibs, and providing incorrect qualification information.