Ann Ashworth gets fired as Comrades Marathon race director

Ann Ashworth has been sacked as Comrades Marathon race director after just seven months after taking up the position.

Ashworth, who won the Comrades Marathon women’s ‘down’ run in 2018, was appointed by the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) in November last year, replacing former race director Rowyn James.

BOMBSHELL NEWS

Ashworth confirmed her departure in a social media post late on Wednesday.

“My time at the CMA has come to an end. The Board feels that I lack the necessary leadership and race management abilities to continue to serve as the Race & Operations Manager,” she wrote on Facebook.

“Given recent events this decision has not come as a surprise. For weeks there have been rumblings amongst the neysayers that “the Board would be dealing with me”.

“The Board will tell you that I did not accept their offer to extend my contract before their subsequent decision to revoke the offer. They will also say that I have previously indicated that I did not wish to remain in my position beyond 30 June. What is true is that: I had offered to resign on at least 3 occasions but this offer was never accepted; I was hesitant to stay on at the CMA given what was happening in the office and behind closed doors; and I was convinced to sign my offer of extension after discussing matters with my staff and Tier 1 sponsors who wished me to remain in my position.

“Regardless, and in spite of all my sacrifices and the dedication I have shown to the race for yet another year; I have once again been humbled. I have taken myself to the brink, worked myself to the bone; and I have no medal to show for it. That’s life. Thankfully, no experience is ever wasted and I look forward to what life has to offer in the next chapter.”

The post received hundreds of comments and shares from followers who could scarcely believe the bombshell news (have a read HERE).

ANN ASHWORTH WAS PRAISED

While there was criticism both prior and post the running of this year’s 97th race between Durban and Pietermaritzburg regarding the lack of goodie bags, Robert Mtshali medals for those who completed the race between nine and 10 hours, as well as traffic congestion near the finish, the overwhelming sentiment was that Ashworth had done a tremendous job.

In particular, Ashworth was praised for luring new sponsors, which saw prize money hiked substantially, making it the richest race in Africa.

Ashworth was also instrumental in adjusting cut-off times at various point along the route which came as a major relief for backmarkers in particular following the debacle that played out last year.

Nedbank Running Club’s Piet Wiersma won this year’s men’s race in a time of 5:25:00, while Phantane Athletics Club’s Gerda Steyn claimed her third victory and broke the previous ‘Up’ run record with her 5:49:46 finish.