Komani Runners Club Questions Fairness at Balekani Dual Terrain Race

The Komani Runners Club has called on organisers of the Balekani Dual Terrain Race to clarify changes to a competition linked to the event, as well as inconsistencies in the official entry figures.

The race, which included 25km, 10km and 5km distances, was hosted over the weekend as the inaugural Balekani Dual Terrain event. Runners from across the Eastern Cape took part, and Komani Runners Club congratulated its athletes who represented the team and achieved podium finishes.

However, in a statement released after the race, the club said it was concerned about how the organisers handled a side contest and about discrepancies in the reported number of entries.

Contest Rules Allegedly Changed

Komani Runners Club explained that it had entered a friendly club contest — where the prize was reportedly a cow — meant to reward participation and support for the Balekani event.

According to the club, the organisers altered the contest’s original criteria after entries had already been submitted, resulting in confusion and what they described as an unfair outcome.

“We participated in a contest for a cow to support the Balekani race, but it appears the hosts had an ulterior motive,” the club said. “We respect all clubs in the ASA provinces, particularly in the Eastern Cape, but we won’t be undermined or provoked.”

The club has called on Balekani Athletics Club to publicly clarify why the competition rules were changed from what was initially advertised.

Discrepancy in Entry Numbers

In addition to the contest issue, Komani Runners Club also raised concerns about the difference between their count of total race entries and the numbers announced by the organisers.

“Our protest stems from the discrepancy in the number of entries: 25km = 28, 10km = 57, 5km = 18, totalling 103 entries, contrary to the 80 entries presented by Balekani AC when announcing results,” the statement read.

The club believes this inconsistency raises questions about transparency and fairness in how the event results were compiled and communicated.

Commitment to Fair Play

Despite these concerns, Komani Runners Club reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining sportsmanship and unity within the athletics community.

“As a club, we believe in fair play and sportsmanship. Our support for clubs is based on mutual respect and the reception we receive from them,” the club added.

Balekani Athletics Club has not yet issued a response to the claims.

Komani Runners Club’s statement highlights the need for clear communication, consistency, and fairness in all aspects of local running events — especially when clubs invest their time and resources to support them.