Call to fix ‘hazardous’ R103 used by Comrades runners
Organisers cite narrow lanes, blind corners, and rising traffic as major risks for runners and cyclists.
The Safe Comrades Route Campaign is urging authorities to act swiftly to improve safety along a stretch of the marathon route between Hillcrest and Kloof.
Campaign organisers say runners and residents using the busy R103 Old Main Road have reported several near misses, with some incidents involving vehicles or cyclists striking athletes during training.
Route safety concerns rise
The campaign’s Tawonga Kalawangoma says the route has become increasingly hazardous, pointing to narrow lanes, blind corners and a lack of proper shoulder space for runners.
He says conditions are particularly dangerous over weekends, when traffic volumes increase and more athletes are out training.
“By the [affected] areas, so that's about three kilometres, there's a bit of rock and it winds down the hill.
“As a result of that, cars are not actually able to see, you could see maybe 20m in front of them because of the curves. And if there are two cars that are passing each other, one going down, the other one coming up, the runners cannot actually run.
“Usually, most of the runners that are running, they don't have space to be running on the shoulder of the road, so they are running within the road. So, they're sharing the space with cars as well as with cyclists.”
Authorities urged to respond
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, the spokesperson for KZN Department of Transport says MEC Siboniso Duma will deal with it.
“He has [asked] that this request be channelled to his office because he is not aware of such a request. It is the first time he has learnt about it. However, he believes that by working together with the Comrades Marathon Association and other key stakeholders, it is possible to find a long-lasting solution.”
Kalawangoma is calling on SANRAL and local authorities to consider widening parts of the road, improving signage, and introducing stricter speed limits in high-risk areas.
“In the meantime, definitely with the speed limit, one of the best things to also do is just to communicate with such organisations as the Comrades, the Amashova, as well as clubs, because we are approaching running clubs just to tell the people, ‘Guys, be safe, don't run in the (end).
“Sometimes when we are coming from a late meeting or whatever, you do see some people that are still running, and it's a little bit dark. So just to inform them [to] wear [their] reflectors. If you’re running or cycling at night, make sure that your bicycle is clearly lit and you have your torches on your forehead."
The campaign has launched a petition in the hopes of gathering wider support ahead of the busy running season.
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