No final word yet on Zola Budd

South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) have given the Comrades Marathon Association the clearance to pay out the 2014 prize money. Comrades have commenced on the top ten women and men this week.

However, Race Director, Rowyn James, said they are unable at this time to continue with the age group awards as they are still awaiting finalisation from KZN Athletics of the age category awards and questions around runners who may have incurred other infringements.

This looks likely to await the outcome of a meeting on Tuesday 19 August, but is sure to be eagerly watched by Comrades enthusiasts around the world, particularly with regards to both the use of age category tags and the allegations that certain runners have cheated by cutting the course of Comrades for several years and yet earned their green numbers.

Although official (or official provisional) results do not appear to have been posted, both Zola Budd and multiple winner and 41-time Comrades finisher, Alan Robb, are amongst those who it is said are to be eliminated from the age group awards. This move saw runners around the world question Comrades and KZNA credibility.

(File Photo:Gallo Images)

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