Two Oceans Marathon 2027 Qualifying Window, Time Standards and Seeding Requirements Confirmed

Two Oceans Marathon 2027 Qualifying Window, Time Standards and Seeding Requirements Confirmed

  • Two Oceans Marathon organisers officially confirmed the qualifying window and time standards for the 2027 Ultra and Half Marathon events
  • Runners must complete a recognised qualifying race within a specific window to secure their spot on the start line
  • TOM officials are urging all participants to check their deadlines now and avoid last-minute qualifying submissions

Organisers of the Two Oceans Marathon (TOM) have officially announced the qualifying requirements and key deadlines for the 2027 edition of the Cape Town race, giving runners across the country and abroad a clear framework to plan their campaigns.

The qualifying window runs from 1 May 2026 to 7 March 2027, during which all registered runners must complete an officially recognised race to earn their place on the start line.

Ultra Marathon qualifying standards

Athletes targeting the flagship Ultra Marathon are required to finish a standard 42.2 km marathon in under five hours.

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Events exceeding the standard marathon distance will also be considered as qualifying races, provided competitors meet the specific time thresholds published on the TOM website. All qualifying performances must be recorded at events that comply with measurement standards recognised by both Athletics South Africa (ASA) and World Athletics.

What Half Marathon entrants should know

TOM Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt highlighted the importance of planning for all categories, while TOM Event Director Wade Bromfield specifically cautioned runners against leaving their qualifying submissions to the final stretch of the window.

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Bromfield also extended a welcome to participants from beyond South Africa's borders.

"Our entire team is excited to welcome runners from across the globe to Cape Town in 2027, and we urge everyone to double-check their deadlines and ensure all entry details are fully up to date," he said.

Runners are advised to consult the official TOM website for the complete list of accepted qualifying events, ultra-distance time thresholds, and seeding submission deadlines ahead of race day.

The Two Oceans Marathon remains one of South Africa's most celebrated long-distance running events, drawing local and international competitors to the Western Cape each year.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a sports journalist with years of experience covering African and global sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). He joined Briefly News in February 2025. For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za.