Now many of you will be aware of the IAAF ’ s suspension of the Russian Federation and its athletes as a result of the drug abuse in that country . However , this again can only apply to those runners who are affiliated to the Russian Federation , which is basically just those elite runners who have earned IAAF Gold , Silver or Bronze road running standards ( far higher than the requirements to run Comrades / Oceans ), and those who are or have been part of an official Russian club or team . Of those athletes , the IAAF now has a list of proven ‘ clean ’ Russian athletes who are allowed to compete internationally as neutral athletes .
Meanwhile , recreational Russian runners of whatever standard who are not affiliated are therefore free to compete in road races around the world in the same way as virtually every other country – except South Africa , where it seems we have assumed ( or demand ) that every foreign athlete is affiliated and therefore can produce a clearance letter . This is the key point of confusion and controversy in the case of Alexandra Morozova , who placed second in Comrades 2017 ( and third in Comrades 2018 ), but has not yet been paid her 2017 prize money , as widely reported in the media and discussed on social media .
PAY THE MONEY OUT
Given that ASA rule 9.2 did not exist in 2017 , and that ASA ’ s interpretation of rule 4.2 was erroneous , even the IAAF has advised that Comrades should pay her 2017 prize money . The situation is potentially different for 2018 , as ASA rule 9.2 now exists , and all foreign runners are required to abide by the domestic rules of the host country . However , the legal arguments over this would probably see the athlete winning on technicalities and basic human rights .
It is an area of our rules that requires adjustment , but in the meantime , if you intend running overseas , it is unlikely that you will be required to request a letter of clearance through your club and province ... unless ASA registers its requirement for this with IAAF .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR : Norrie has represented Scotland , Great Britain and later his adopted South Africa in ultra-distance running and triathlon . He is an IAAF-accredited coach and course measurer , has authored two books on running , and counts 21 Comrades medals amongst his more than 150 ultramarathon medals . You can read more from him at www . coachnorrie . co . za .
Russia ’ s Alexandra Morozova finishes second at the 2017 Comrades
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Diacore Gaborone Marathon , Half Marathon & 10km , 13 May 2018
Yet another chapter of the Diacore Gaborone Marathon has drawn to an auspicious close , and every single runner can pat themselves on the back for a morning well spent . Though no runner was able to beat the target time of 2 hours 8 minutes in the marathon to clinch the 1 million Pula incentive prize , we saw bravery , determination , and the single-minded pursuit of one clear goal , to finish the race , and we look forward to more of the same in 2019 .
At the front end of the races , line honours in the marathon went to South Africa ’ s Subisiso Nzima in 2:16:57 , only just outrunning his countryman Isaac Mpofu by two seconds , while the women ’ s title was comfortably claimed by Olivia Chitate of Zimbabwe in 2:51:35 , ahead of local favourite Mantshapelo Badumetse ( 2:58:58 ). The winners in the half marathon were South African Joel Mmone ( 1:03:29 ) and Namibian Ottile Aimwata ( 1:21:54 ), while the 10km titles went to local athlete Sylvester Koko and Namibia ’ s Ndeshimona Ekandgo .
Images : Courtesy Organisers
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