Question 1

What is the qualifying time for the 2027 Two Oceans Ultra Marathon?

Accepted Answer

A marathon (42.2km) in under 5 hours, or an equivalent time over a longer distance: 48km under 6:00, 50km under 6:30, 56.6km under 7:00, 90km under 12:00, or 100km and up under 13:30. The race must be officially measured and timed on a World Athletics (ASA in South Africa) affiliated event.

Question 2

When must I run my Two Oceans 2027 qualifying race?

Accepted Answer

Only races run after 30 May 2026 count as qualifiers for the 2027 Ultra, and your qualifying details must be loaded on the entry system before the profile update deadline a few weeks before race day on 4 April 2027.

Question 3

When does the Two Oceans 2027 ballot open?

Accepted Answer

The general ballot for both the Ultra and Half runs from 5 to 16 August 2026. Results are announced on 18 August, and successful applicants must pay between 18 and 31 August. Blue Number Club members get a priority window from 15 to 22 July 2026.

Question 4

Do I need a running licence to enter the Two Oceans Ultra?

Accepted Answer

South African runners (and foreign runners living and working in SA) must belong to an official running club with a permanent ASA licence. Temporary licences are not accepted for the Ultra. Runners must also be 20 years or older on race day.

Question 5

Does my qualifying time affect my Two Oceans start?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Ultra field is seeded into 19 start batches based on qualifying times, with faster qualifiers starting closer to the front. Batch changes are not permitted once allocated, so a faster qualifier means cleaner roads and more room at every cut-off.

Qualifying distance	Standard
Marathon (42.2 km)	Under 5:00
48 km	Under 6:00
50 km	Under 6:30
56.6 km	Under 7:00
90 km (Comrades)	Under 12:00
100 km and up	Under 13:30

Two Oceans 2027 Qualifying Calculator

2027 Ultra Qualifying Check

The official standards

Dates to diarise

Qualifying is only half the battle.