The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in KwaZulu-Natal has launched a scathing attack on the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) for allowing six Israeli runners to participate in the 2025 edition of the world-renowned ultramarathon. The move, according to the ANCYL, represents a “profound betrayal” of the race’s founding values of unity, sacrifice, and justice.
In a sharply worded statement, ANCYL provincial spokesperson Sanele Hlongwa criticized the inclusion of athletes Mikhail Oshurov, Avigdor Book, Ami Elkus, Jonathan Watkins, Gil Gemer, and Nick Katsman. Hlongwa argued that their participation contradicts South Africa’s historic stance on human rights and solidarity with Palestine.
Citing the ongoing genocide and apartheid allegations against Israel—currently under review by the International Court of Justice—the youth league condemned the CMA for engaging in what they described as “sportswashing”: the use of sport to normalize and polish Israel’s international image amid widespread accusations of human rights abuses.
The ANCYL is now calling on civil society, youth organizations, and trade unions to resist the CMA’s decision. While they haven’t urged a full boycott of the race, they’re encouraging runners and supporters to stand for justice in their participation.
As the Comrades Marathon concluded without a response from the CMA, the controversy continues to stir national debate, placing sport, politics, and ethics on a direct collision course.
