Durban International Marathon

As we gear up for the upcoming Durban International Marathon, it’s crucial for athletes to understand the implications of their race category for potential qualification for the Tokyo World Championships. It is, therefore, in the best interest of those athletes who may wish to represent their countries at the Tokyo World Champs to enter under the CAA-SR Competition.

Understanding Points and Categories

The CAA-SR Competition offers significant advantages. Category D points are awarded to the top 8 athletes competing in this closed event, which is exclusive to those entered by their country federations. These points are separate from any time-based points that athletes may also earn.

In contrast, the Durban International Marathon is categorized as an open race (Category E). While athletes participating as individuals can compete for prize money, they are only eligible for the points available under this category. In comparison, athletes representing their countries have the opportunity to earn the higher-value points from the CAA-SR Competition (Category D) while still vying for the race prize money in the open event.

Regional and International Opportunities

Ultimately, strengthening the CAA-SR Marathon Championships is in the best interest of the entire region. We encourage all countries to actively enter athletes into this competition, ensuring a stronger representation and greater opportunities for qualification at the World Championships.

Elroy Galant who won the 2024 edition of the Durban International Marathon went on to compete at the Paris Olympics.