Is the 2027 Comrades Marathon sanctioned by Athletics South Africa?

No. The CMA's 2027 Entry Terms (clause 1.3) state that the race is not affiliated to Athletics South Africa (ASA) or KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) and is not represented as a World Athletics sanctioned event. The CMA says it may still adopt specified World Athletics and International Association of Ultrarunners standards and ethical principles, as set out in its Race Rules.

What this means in practice:

• Entry, qualification, conduct, seconding, cut-offs and sanctions are governed by the CMA's own 2027 Entry Terms and Race Rules, not ASA's road running rules.
• ASA's rules say licensed athletes who knowingly take part in meetings not sanctioned by ASA may be declared ineligible and lose their licence, and clubs that knowingly send athletes may be suspended (ASA Rules 1.3 and 24.5-24.7). Whether and how ASA or KZNA apply this to Comrades entrants is a decision for those bodies.
• Drug testing may be done by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport or another authorised body engaged by the CMA (Entry Terms clause 13.1).