With 2024 winding down, it’s not long before runners around the country turn their attention to Comrades Marathon qualification. Here, Thathe Msimango looks at three great qualifiers for South Africa’s flagship ultra.
The Comrades Marathon is the oldest and biggest Ultra Marathon in the world. As such, it attracts a field of over 20 000 every year. It’s certainly a bucket list race for runners worldwide all looking to traverse the 90-odd kilometres between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
To qualify and participate in the 2025 Comrades Marathon, you will need to adhere to the qualifying criteria below. The cut-off date for supplying the below information to complete your entry is 5 May 2025.
Update your qualifying details either by using your online entry profile, email, contacting the CMA office, or by requesting your club administrator to do so for you by 5 May 2025.
Criteria:
- You must submit your club name and 2025 permanent ASA license number.
- You will need to complete the medical questionnaire (available by logging into your entry profile once entered).
- You will need to run at least one qualifying race between 10 June 2024 and 5 May 2025. All qualifying races must be ASA technically compliant, no shorter than 42.2km and meet the Comrades Marathon qualifying criteria. Please see below Qualifying Table for official distances and qualifying times.
You can find more info about qualification criteria by clicking here.
There is still plenty of time to qualify if you’ve already secured your Comrades entry. If you’re a novice and hoping to make it to the start line for the first time, here are three ideal marathons you can use to qualify for the Ultimate Human Race.
eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon
This race has grown rapidly since its inception in 2020. Known for its great organisation, it offers a scenic route and the chance to experience all the sights and sounds that Durban has to offer. In 2024, over 700 runners used the race to qualify for the Comrades Marathon.
It takes place on Sunday 2 March 2025 leaving you plenty of time to prepare for Comrades and presents the perfect opportunity for you to get your qualifier in the bag nice and early.
Durban International Marathon
The Durban International Marathon is the perfect race if you want a fast Comrades Marathon qualifying time. Starting in Prospection in Isipingo, the route winds through the industrial heart of the city before ending in the shadow of Moses Mabhida Stadium’s arch.
At the start, you will get to see the manufacturing heart of the city which most tourists never experience. You’ll then see the ships coming in and out of the port as you race past the harbour. Finally, you’ll run through central Durban to witness the beautiful, historic buildings in the city before finishing in People’s Park.
In the past three years, the race served as the South African Marathon Championship seeing top marathoners from different provinces arrive in Durban to participate. It also produces some of the fastest winning times in the country.
If you are a fan of fast races, then you should really consider the Durban International Marathon. Plus, if you like to leave it late in qualifying for Comrades, then it is perfect as the race takes place on Sunday 4 May 2025, the last day on which you can qualify.
Kosmos 3-In-1
This is one of the most popular races on the Mpumalanga athletics calendar. It attracts runners across the country, growing into a major event. If you’re also a fan of destination races, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to travel and experience a beautiful part of the country.
The race takes place at Umuzi Lake in Secunda and features a quirky format over 73.3km – the race is broken down into 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km. The race takes place in February 2025 – so it’s a good opportunity to qualify early for the Comrades Marathon.
