Frequently asked questions
When will the 2012 Comrades Marathon take place?
Sunday 3 June 2012
Where does it start?
City Hall in Pietermaritzburg
What time does it start?
05h30
Where does it finish?
Sahara Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban
What is the official distance of the race?
The distance for 2012 s approximately 89km. As the course varies slightly from year to year, the final race distance is subject to change and will be confirmed in the Final Race Instructions.
Where can I get an entry form?
Entry forms will only be available from 1 September 2011.
When do entries close for the 2012 Comrades Marathon?
Entries close on 30 November 2011
Who enters the race for free?
Runners who have completed 25 Comrades Marathons or more gain free entry to the event.
Are the entry fees refundable?
The entry fees are not refundable under any circumstances. Athletes submitting duplicate entries will be charged for both.
Does the Comrades Marathon accept late entries?
No late entries are accepted.
How will I know if my entry form has been accepted?
An email confirmation (if an email address is supplied) will be sent to you once your entry has been processed, or you can check the website for your confirmation of entry. Please check your data carefully upon receipt of your entry confirmation.
Can anyone enter the Comrades Marathon?
The race is restricted to runners only. Wheelchairs or mechanical aids of any nature will not be permitted?
How old must I be in order to enter the 2012 Comrades Marathon?
The minimum age requirement is that an athlete must be 20 years of age on the day of the race.
Who do I contact if I need more information or have difficulties with my registration?
I am injured or unable to attend, can I get a refund, postpone my entry to another year or give my entry to another runner?
Race entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. We do allow substitutions, please contact mbali@comrades.com for more information.
Can I run with my pet?
No animals, and more particularly dogs, will be permitted on the route.
What is a ChampionChip?
It is a passive transponder (Computer Chip) which you lace onto your shoe and which carries a unique code which is linked to your information in the Comrades Marathon database. When crossing a reading mat on the route and at the finish the system will record your chip code and allocate a time to it.
Where will I find more information on the ChampionChip system?
Please visit ChampionChip Africa website at www.championchip.co.za.
Must I have a ChampionChip?
Every runner must own their own personal ChampionChip, which they must present at number collection.
Where do I find my ChampionChip code?
The ChampionChip code can be found above the logo on the blue or green ChampionChip. On the yellow chip it is clearly displayed on the cylinder surface.
Can I use any timing chip?
No, you may only use your personal ChampionChip as it is linked to an international database of chip owners. It also protects your interest in that your chip if stolen may not be used by another person.
Do I need to own a Champion Chip?
No, chips can be rented at the expo or can be purchased from ChampionChip either during your online entry registration or at the ChampionChip booth at the Expo.
Can someone else pick up my registration pack for me or do I have to do so in person?
If you are unable to collect your race number package, a third party can collect this on your behalf providing they have a printed copy of your Confirmation of Entry, the athlete’s ChampionChip as well as a letter of authorization from the entrant. The person collecting the race number package must have identification. Runners may not claim their registration package after registration closes. These items will not be posted to you and no refunds will be processed.
Must International runners also qualify to enter the Comrades Marathon?
Every runner is required to run an official marathon within the qualifying times.
Where do I collect my ChampionChip that I order with my entry?
Should you have placed an order for a ChampionChip with your entry form, please note that the chip will be in your race number pack and can ONLY be collected from the respective registration venue. Chips ordered with the entry will NOT be issued before these dates.
Must I qualify to enter the Comrades Marathon?
You are required to run a qualifying race within the qualifying times as per the qualifying table. Any IAAF accredited road race of 42.2 kilometres or longer (refer to qualifying table) during the period 29 May 2011 to 7 May 2012 may be used as a Comrades Marathon qualifying event. The following criteria is required for international qualifying events.
• the event needs to be official measured
• the event needs to be official timed
• official results needs to be made available
• the qualifying event period runs from 29 May 2011 to 7 May 2012
Should your qualifying event meet these requirements then you are able to submit that as your qualifier. Please include a copy of your results either with the entry or a website address where the results can be confirmed.
Do International athletes have to follow the same qualifying criteria?
Yes. However it is not a requirement that International athletes have to belong to a running club.
Will I be allowed personal seconding?
No mobile seconding will be permitted. This rule will be strictly enforced with no mobile seconds of any description allowed on the route. Any transgressions will lead to disqualification. A runner may be handed sustenance by a seconder using the stand and hand rule. No other seconding is permitted. See Rules and Information.
Where do I pick up my registration pack?
Registration pack (including race number, t-shirt and goodie bag) must be collected at the International Registration Area at Expo, this is separate from the local runners.
What will I need in order to register and collect my race numbers?
You will not be permitted to collect your race numbers without:
Proof of identity (Identity Document, Passport or Drivers License)
Your personal ChampionChip
Can I collect my race numbers on race day?
No race numbers will be issued on the day of the race.
Are there bus schuttle to the Start?
For people staying in Durban there are buses to the start in Pietermaritzburg and from the finish in Durban returning to Pietermaritzburg after the race. Tickets for these buses will be available at the Comrades Experience (Expo).
Can I have my gear or a change of clothes transferred to the finish line?
Yes, a Tog Bag Service is available to transport a tog bag for each runner to the finish line. You can check your bag either on race morning or the day before at the Expo.
Are there showers available in the finisher area?
Yes, rudimentary showers are available. Runners must supply their own towel, soap, etc.
Is there an opportunity to see the route before race day?
Yes, first-time international runners will have a chance to take a bus tour along the route to see the course and landmarks along the way. Participants must register for the tour by contacting mbali@comrades.com.
Is there a cost for course tour?
No, the tour is free of charge for first-time runners. Other runners may purchase a ticket at a cost of ZAR200.00. For more information please email mbali@comrades.com.
Is there a family reunion area at the finish line where I can meet my friends and relatives?
Yes, runners can meet their supporters inside the stadium in a designated International Area. Runners can also purchase additional meal tickets for supporters who can then join them in the International area. Tickets are available at the International Registration Area at the Expo.
Will there be occasion to meet other international runners?
The Comrades Ambassadors organize a number of social events prior to the race. To get details, please contact your nearest Comrades Ambassador http://www.comrades.com/International/Ambassadors.aspx.
Will there be a carbo-loading or pasta party before the race?
Runners World organizes a pasta dinner. Details can be found at www.runnersworld.co.za.
What prize money is on offer?
See PRIZES under INFO for a full list of Awards and Prizes on offer.
May I wear advertising?
The Comrades Marathon is run under the rules of ASA (Athletics South Africa) and the IAAF, which stipulate that no personal sponsors logos may be worn by an athlete. For more information contact your club or Athletics South Africa.
What must I do to earn a Gold medal?
Gold medals are awarded to the first 10 men and first 10 women to cross the finish line.
What time must I finish in to receive a Wally Hayward medal?
The Wally Hayward cut-off gun is fired 6 hours, so you have 6 hours to earn a Wally Hayward Medal.
What time must I finish in to receive a Silver medal?
The silver cut-off gun is fired on 7 hours 30 minutes so you have 7 hours 29 minutes and 59 seconds to earn a silver medal.
What time must I finish in to receive a Bill Rowan medal?
The Bill Rowan cut-off gun is fired on 9 hours so you have 8 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds to earn a Bill Rowan medal.
What time must I finish in to receive a Bronze medal?
The Bronze cut-off gun is fired on 11 hours so you have 10 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds to earn a Bronze medal.
What time must I finish in to receive a Vic Clapham medal?
The Vic Clapham cut-off gun is fired on 12 hours so you have 11 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds to earn a Vic Clapham medal.
How long do I have to complete the race?
The final cut-off gun is fired on 12 hours so you have 11 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds to complete the course and earn a medal.
What must I do if I have any other questions?