KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) has issued a legal threat against the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) over the organisation of the 2027 Comrades Marathon, claiming the event has not been sanctioned by the provincial body.

In a lawyer's letter, KZNA asserts that CMA's announcement of the race date on June 13 2027 creates a false impression that the event has KZNA's approval.The provincial body demands CMA cease all public announcements about the 2027 race or face an urgent interdict to block its hosting.

CMA counters that the race dates were approved by Athletics South Africa (ASA), the national federation, and that ASA board member Enoch Skosana confirmed the dates in writing.CMA argues KZNA's legal action is misguided, as South African law does not require marathons to be affiliated with provincial federations.The dispute highlights tensions between KZNA and CMA over control of the iconic race, which contributes over R600m annually to KZN's economy.CMA warns that KZNA's legal tactics could divert resources from promoting athletics and harming the sport's legacy.