Mark Leathers, a lawyer and avid runner, has been elected as the new chairperson of the Comrades Marathon Association following a turbulent period for the organization. He aims to focus on improving the runner experience ahead of upcoming races. His appointment comes with a renewed board committed to restoring the event's prestige.
On 29 November 2025, at the Comrades Marathon Association's (CMA) annual general meeting, Mark Leathers was voted in as the new chairperson. The Durban-based professional, who is also a pilot and has completed two Comrades races in under 10 hours each, steps into the role after serving as vice-chairperson under predecessor Mqondisi Ngcobo. Ngcobo remains on the board alongside new deputy chairperson Nontuthuko Mashimane, a fellow recreational runner and philanthropist. Other board members include veteran runners Willie Mtolo and Barry Holland, as well as Brenda Marolen, Carel Nolte, Rory Steyn, Alan Gray, and co-opted financial expert Lené Swart.
The CMA faced significant challenges in early 2024, including allegations of racism and maladministration that prompted mass resignations by the end of the year. A new board was installed in December 2024, with Leathers and Ngcobo tasked with addressing infighting and rehabilitating the organization's public image. Leathers, who provided free legal representation to CMA members during 2024 disputes with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics over exclusionary constitutional proposals, credits his year as vice-chair for giving him practical insights. "The importance of Comrades as an event and the history of the association cannot be underestimated," Leathers told Daily Maverick. "I’m also surrounded by a wonderful team of very experienced people on the board... there’s only one trajectory and that’s upwards."
Looking ahead, Leathers emphasizes prioritizing runners as the core 'client' to ensure sustained participation, spectatorship, and sponsorship. The 2026 race, set for 14 June between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, sold out in under 10 hours, with about 22,000 runners expected. This event will test preparations for the 2027 centenary. Recent changes include appointing qualified personnel, revising internal policies on procurement and staffing, and bringing in race director Sue Forge for a scientific approach to crowd management. At the AGM, the CMA passed a motion to withdraw from KwaZulu-Natal Athletics and affiliate directly with Athletics South Africa, removing KZN representatives from the board. Leathers draws on his aviation background for quick decision-making, noting, "When you’re in the air, things happen very quickly."