The view that sport and politics don't mix appears to be the popular opinion among runners of the Comrades Marathon, which is scheduled to be held for the first time on a Sunday in 2007 after the date for the race was changed at the behest of politicians.
The Comrades Marathon Association has confirmed that the number of runners for 2007's 89.3 km "down-run" to Durban on Sunday June 17 is less than expected, with 11 000 having entered. The previous down run drew more than 13 000 runners, while the last two "up-runs" attracted just less than 12 000 participants.
The Comrades date change was the result of objections that the running of the marathon detracted from the June 16 Youth Day celebrations, and it has become a thorny issue for the association.
Dave Dixon, the association's Chairperson, said in a statement released by the organisation that it was a relief to see that they would have 11 000 runners, as many had contacted them and had said they would not run because of the change in the date.
"Having said that, it is clear that this issue has had a big impact. Down-runs normally attract a bigger field, and in a normal year we would definitely have hoped for more than 13 000.
"Unfortunately, this is as a result of circumstances beyond the control of the CMA, and I take this opportunity in thanking those runners who have opted to participate in 2007 race," said Dixon.
He added that the Comrades remained a classic race and said he believed 11 000 runners was an "excellent result under the circumstances".
Graham Daniel, manager of the Mr Price Athletic Club, said he did not view the date change as being of great consequence.
"It doesn't really affect us and the fact that it (the Comrades) is on a Sunday won't detract from the race. The international field and our own runners are as good as they have ever been."
He said it was speculation that the number of runners was down for 2007 because of the race being run on a Sunday.
However, representatives of Harmony and Rand athletics clubs expressed concern that the date had been changed for political reasons.
Nick Bester, the Manager of Harmony, said: "Politicians should stick to politics and stay out of sport," he said.
He said the best date for running the Comrades had been the original public holiday which fell on May 31, and when it was usually warmer than in mid-June.
"The politicians saw fit to change the date to June 16 and now they have changed the date of the race again to June 17," he said.
Harmony club captain Renier Grobler said that a lot of runners were unhappy about the race taking place on a Sunday.