Coach Lindsey Parry urges runners to qualify for the Comrades Marathon earlier

The Comrades Marathon Association has officially launched the 2025 event, scheduled for Sunday, May 25, with an 89km down-run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

This Sunday, runners can aim for a qualifying time at the Soweto Marathon in Nasrec.

For those unable to participate this weekend, the Jacaranda City Marathon in Tshwane on November 9 offers another chance to complete the qualifying requirement well ahead of next year’s race.

Parry explained to SABC Sport, "I encourage athletes to start qualifying for the Comrades Marathon now. Although Comrades isn't our immediate focus, it's always on our minds. The period between October and early December is ideal for qualifying, as it allows athletes time to recover and train lightly through December. This way, by January, they’re ready to ramp up preparations, leading into the main training phase in March and April."

Parry added, "The sooner you qualify, the better. Although you have until May to qualify, running hard so close to that deadline adds pressure in June. My advice to runners is to qualify early to avoid the strain of intense racing close to the ultra-marathon. Marathons like Soweto and Jacaranda are excellent starting points, and there are also races outside of Gauteng."

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Parry, the coach of Comrades runner Adele Broodryk, has teamed up with the Soweto Marathon to help athletes prepare for the upcoming races, offering guidance for the 42.2km, 21.1km, and 10km events.

"Adele is currently sidelined due to a knee injury and won’t be participating in the race, while Philani is ready to compete and has his sights set on a podium finish. My advice to the runners is to enjoy the experience and avoid pushing themselves too hard. The Soweto race is among the toughest courses to tackle," Parry added.