Latest news with #AlainDalais
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
No deaths at 2025 Comrades Marathon – association after fake news spreads
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has slammed reports alleging two runners had died at this year's event. According to Northglen News, in a statement, CMA general manager Alain Dalais said some digital media outlets and accounts had reported the deaths, further alleging the deaths were confirmed by Comrades officials. 'The CMA and its medical team can confirm that no deaths have been recorded at the 2025 event. As can be expected from an event of this nature and size, there were some cases of runners being transferred to hospital from the route, for various medical reasons. The CMA medical, emergency, safety and health protocols are excellent, and focused on the safety of all runners,' he said. Dalais added that the association distances itself from any fake news or rumours doing the rounds. 'The CMA suggests that our community rely on reputable sources for information, starting with our own channels,' he added. In 2022, a Hollywoodbets Athletics Club runner, Mzamo Mthembu, collapsed on the Comrades Marathon route near Pinetown and died after being taken to hospital. Also read: Comrades runner reported missing found near Durban harbour in serious condition
The South African
20 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Comrades Marathon organisers confirm NO deaths during 2025 race
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) early on Wednesday confirmed that there were no reported fatalities during this year's 'down' run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban on Sunday. According to a Comrades Marathon social media post, some reports suggested two runners had died. However, the organisers were quick to dispel such rumours. The post read: 'It has been brought to the attention of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) that some digital media outlets or accounts are reporting two deaths during the 2025 edition of the race, which took place this past weekend (Sunday, 8 June). 'The CMA and its medical team can confirm that no deaths have been recorded at the 2025 event. 'As can be expected from an event of this nature and size, there were some cases of runners being transferred to hospital from the route, for various medical reasons. 'The CMA medical, emergency, safety and health protocols are excellent, and focused on the safety of all runners,' said CMA General Manager Alain Dalais. 'The CMA distances itself from any fake news or rumours doing the rounds, and suggests that our community rely on reputable sources for information – starting with our own channels,' he added. This year's men's race was won by South Africa's Tete Dijana, with fellow South African Gerda Steyn taking the title in the women's race. For Dijana it was a third 'down' run victory, while Steyn triumphed for a third consecutive time – and fourth overall. Meanwhile, as widely reported, Moira Harding, who went missing after crossing the finish line and was found nearly 15 hours later – and 7km away – remains in hospital having suffered severe hypothermia. This year's Comrades Marathon was the 98th edition of the famed race. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
21 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Comrades Marathon Association debunks reports of race fatalities
The CMA has rubbished claims of fatalities at the 2025 Comrades Marathon The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has confirmed that no fatalities occurred during the 2025 edition of the race held on Sunday. The CMA's assertion follows distressing reports circulating across various digital media outlets, suggesting that two runners had died during the event. Alain Dalais, General Manager of the CMA, stated unequivocally that the marathon was conducted without any recorded deaths. "As can be expected from an event of this nature and size, there were some cases of runners being transferred to hospital from the route for various medical reasons," Dalais explained. "However, our medical, emergency, safety, and health protocols are excellent and focused on the safety of all runners."
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Missing Comrades runner found in Durban
Race director Alain Dalais said Moira Harding had walked eight kilometres from the finish. The finish line of the Comrades Marathon in Durban. Picture: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images A missing woman has been found after seemingly vanishing on Sunday, following the Comrades Marathon ultra-distance race. Moira Harding, a runner from Cape Town, completed the 90km race in 10:52:03 on Sunday afternoon. After reaching the finish in a delirious state, however, Harding had started walking through the streets of Durban and became lost. Comrades Marathon race director Alain Dalais said a search party had looked for her into the early hours of the morning, and she was eventually found more than 12 hours after she had finished the race. Wondered for eight kilometres 'A search party was formed and we looked everywhere we could, but she had walked eight kilometres from the finish venue, which is why it took so long to find her,' Dalais said. 'She was in a delirious state, but she is safe and we are relieved she is ok.' Meanwhile, Dalais confirmed no runners had died during the 98th running of the annual race. 'One runner suffered cardiac arrest and was airlifted to hospital, but we have received confirmation that they are stable, which is another great relief for us as the organisers of the race.'
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
All systems go for Comrades Marathon
This year's Comrades Marathon promises more than just a gruelling test of endurance — participants can expect a 'buffet' along the route and a 'jol' at the finish, according to the organisers. At the final media briefing held in Durban yesterday, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) declared that it's all systems go for the iconic ultramarathon, which starts in Pietermaritzburg and ends in Durban tomorrow. The Witness reports that CMA general manager Alain Dalais assured athletes that the route is fully prepared, with water stations fully stocked to keep runners hydrated. 'There will be about 47 water stations between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. They are all well-equipped and fully stocked with everything [runners need] until they cross the finish line. 'I can offer assurance that all the water tables will be loaded with every type of hydrating liquid you can think of. 'We also brought in plenty of bananas, potatoes, snacks and different kinds of bites or eats that are needed to keep the runners going or energised until the end. So, the runners are expected to have a buffet on the route while they enjoy the race,' said Dalais. He added that the finish line will offer a party atmosphere, with innovations designed to enhance the overall experience. 'Also, at the end of the race, our new changes and innovations at the finish will be exciting and everybody will enjoy it,' he said. One of the most significant changes is a street finish, bringing the Comrades in line with other major global marathons. 'I am glad to announce that this year's Comrades Marathon finish will be on the street. We all know that it is already happening with other international marathons like the London Marathon, New York Marathon and others,' Dalais said. The event is expected to be the largest in the race's history, with CMA chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo confirming a record-breaking 22 000 runners are set to take part. 'We have never experienced anything like this before, and that's why we spent long hours and weeks making sure that everything is in order,' Ngcobo stated. He emphasised that the latest changes were implemented with runner safety, security and enjoyment in mind. The KZN Tourism and Film Authority anticipates a significant economic boost, projecting an increase on last year's R600m economic spin-off. Hotels and other accommodation across Durban and Pietermaritzburg are expected to be fully booked. Msunduzi Municipality has undertaken extensive preparations for the start of the race, including road repairs, verge clearing and stormwater drain maintenance. 'Msunduzi Municipality has completed all route preparations and is ready to welcome thousands of athletes and spectators to Pietermaritzburg,' said municipal spokesperson Ntobeko Mkhize. Dalais confirmed a record number of international participants, with 3 063 runners from outside South Africa — 1 282 from the rest of Africa and 1 781 from overseas. An additional 3 000 international supporters are expected to accompany them. 'Many runners and their supporters — particularly the international visitors — spend extra time in the province after the race, booking game drives and safari visits to wildlife conservation areas,' Dalais added. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
