Two Oceans Marathon bans #Run4SA black armbands

SaveSA and SA First have encouraged Two Oceans Marathon runners to wear black armbands on Saturday to say no to poor leadership.

SaveSA and SA First Forum and other organisations' online posters have been encouraging participants in the Two Oceans Marathon to wear a black armband, but now race organisers say it breaks IAAF rules and support for political causes is not allowed.

Crispin Sonn, co-founder of SA First Forum, says the black armband allows people to show solidarity with the call for a better South Africa.

We all are fighting for a better South Africa for everybody, that we have an inclusive, non-racial, non-sexist society.

Crispin Sonn, co-founder of SA First

We make the call that President Zuma and the people he has surrounded himself with are an obstacle to attaining that new South Africa.

Crispin Sonn, co-founder of SA First

However, according to Dr David Maralack, chairperson of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, a communique from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) - the international governing body for athletics - has advised against the support of any political campaigns and agendas.

He says they have decided not to permit black armbands.

We have just got confirmation from ASA (Athletics South Africa) last night that we are not permitted to allow that at our race.

Dr David Maralack, Chairperson of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon

We are meeting with the Western Province Athletics and Athletics South Africa to look at the implications of this because there are a number of runners who have asked us questions and we need to clarify with them.

Dr David Maralack, Chairperson of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon

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This article first appeared on CapeTalk : Two Oceans Marathon bans #Run4SA black armbands