FAQ #COMRADES2025 QUALIFYING TIMES

We look forward to hosting you at the 98th edition of the legendary Comrades Marathon! To help you prepare for the world’s biggest, oldest and most famous ultramarathon, we’ve put together all the key qualifying information you need to know. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or tackling this challenge for the first time, these details will ensure you're ready to take on the ultimate test of endurance and spirit. Let’s make this year’s Comrades Marathon one for the record books!

• What is the qualifying period?

The qualifying period runs from 10 June 2024 to 5 May 2025. The qualifying period for the 2026 Comrades Marathon will run from the day after this year’s race, being 9 June 2025 to the first weekend in May 2026.

• When will the seedings be finalised?

The seedings will be finalised after 5 May 2025, when all runners’ race information has been confirmed, and the total number of potential starters are determined.

• Will there be seedings within the groups?

Yes, these will be determined by qualifying times as per normal.

• How will seeding be managed?

As a guideline to be finalised after 5 May , runners with qualification under 4 hours are expected to be in Group 1 Start and those with qualification over 4 hours 30 minutes are expected to be in the Group 2 Start. Runners qualifying between these times as well as the final seeding can only be allocated after 5 May 2025 and we will keep our community informed.

• Will the qualification cut-off times change?

The qualification cut-off times will remain the same and are as follows:

• Are mat-to-mat qualifying times accepted?

Yes, mat-to-mat (net) times are accepted.

• Where will Green Number and Charity runners start?

Green Number and Charity runners will start at the front of Group 2. Green Number runners who run a fast enough qualifying time, will start in Group 1.

• What if I want to downgrade so that I can run with a friend or family member, or want to start in Group 2?

Runners will be allowed to move back to Group 2 Start if they arrive late, or if they want to run with another slower seeded runner. Runners cannot move up from the Group 2 Start to the Group 1 Start.

• What should I do if my qualifier marathon does not appear on your list?

Please send an email to info@comrades.com and we will upload your qualifying marathon onto the list. International participants can scroll down the list and select the Other option which will allow you to type in the name of your qualifier.

• Can I submit my Strava (or other app) time?

No, the CMA will only accept the result as it is recorded on the official results from the qualifying marathon.

• My SMS time from my qualifier is different to the official results - can I submit my SMS time?

Please submit your results as recorded on the official results from the qualifying marathon.

• Will my club review and approve my qualifying time?

Running clubs will have the opportunity to review and approve the qualifying details of their club members.

• I ran a marathon but the course was incorrect - which distance do I use?

The CMA will need to query this directly with the race organiser of the qualifying marathon. The CMA will only accept the results as recorded on the official results.

• What are the guidelines for group splits?

Below are the guidelines for Group 1 and Group 2 and are subject to change.

Should you have any questions which we have not answered, please share them with us via email at info@comrades.com and we will ensure that these answers are made available to you. You can also read our FAQs and our ongoing communications on social media and our website blog.