Comrades Marathon runners who were unable to enter the 2015 Comrades Marathon during the official entry period (1 September – 30 November 2014) now have an opportunity to still be part of the world’s biggest and oldest ultra-marathon through the official 2015 Substitution process during the first three weeks of April.

The Comrades Marathon Association’s (CMA) Substitution Rule allows for a runner who has not entered to substitute an entrant who has withdrawn, or intends to withdraw from the 2015 edition of The Ultimate Human Race.

Substitutions can only take effect on a like for like basis, meaning SA runners can only substitute for SA entrants, Rest of Africa (ROA) for other ROA runners and International runners for International entrants.

The Substitution process officially opens on 1 April and closes on 21 April 2015. The completed application forms as specified in the Substitution Rule must reach the CMA office by 21 April 2015. There will be no extension of this deadline and no postal applications will be accepted. Athletes still intending to submit Substitution application forms are advised to visit the official Comrades Marathon website at www.comrades.com for the downloadable forms and the comprehensive list of rules and regulations which govern the Substitution process. Prospective substitutes are encouraged to do their application online.

Race Director Rowyn James said the Substitution Rule has been very well received by runners over the past three years thereby ensuring that as many athletes as possible have the opportunity to participate in the Comrades Marathon.