Bongmusa Mthembu during the Comrades Marathon in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Photo: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images
SABC to broadcast Comrades Marathon after reaching agreement with ASA
The Comrades Marathon will be broadcast on TV this year after all with the SABC reaching a one-year agreement with ASA.
Bongmusa Mthembu during the Comrades Marathon in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Photo: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images
The South African Broadcasting Commission (SABC) has confirmed that they will broadcast the 2019 Comrades Marathon after thrashing out their issues with Athletics South Africa (ASA).
Two major ASA sanctioned events this year have not been broadcast by the national broadcaster or pay-tv giant DSTV. Last month the Two Oceans Marathon suffered a tv blackout as did the ASA Senior Track & Field and Combined Events Championships, which took place over the Freedom Day weekend.
ASA and the SABC have reached a one-year agreement for the broadcaster to cover the country’s marquee marathons. The agreement will see the SABC producing and broadcasting the Comrades Marathon, Cape Town Marathon and Soweto Marathon.
Dr Craig Van Rooyen, the Acting Chief Operations Officer of the SABC, said, in a statement issued to the press:
“We are delighted with the agreement, as we are committed to the development of athletics in the county. This agreement also bears testimony to the fact that the SABC and ASA are keen on working together in promoting not only the sport, but also showcasing our local and global superstars, who inspire a nation.”
ASA hope further negotiations will see the SABC agree to air selected Track and field events.
Aleck Skhosana, the President of Athletics South Africa said: “As ASA we look forward to further negotiations with the SABC for a three year contract, which will look into Track and Field events under ASA.
“All preparations for the marathons which we have now concluded an agreement on with the SABC, are underway.
“We would like to thank the Group Chief Executive Officer and the Acting Chief Operations Officer for ensuring that a deal is concluded between the two parties and we look forward to the nation being able to watch their icons and champions in action.”
The Comrades Marathon, which takes place on 9 June 2019, will be broadcast live on SABC 2 from 5h30. The broadcast will be a marathon of its own with entrants given 12 hours to complete the approximately 87 km course. To download a detailed route map click here.
