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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