Seeded Runners

Seeded Runners

Top open and age-group runners are eligible for special seeded numbers. Seeded runners may be admitted after the lottery closing and will be allowed to start the race in the Yellow Corral immediately behind the elite athletes. Seeded runners are encouraged to apply for seeded status prior to the opening of the lottery. The cut off date for Seeded Runners to enter the race is February 29, 2025.

Note: The seeded runner qualifying times (see table below) are from 2024 and will likely change for 2025. Qualifying performances must have been posted since January 1, 2023 for consideration.

Note: Seeded runners who were accepted into past CUCB races with seeded status need to resubmit proof of eligibility.

How to Apply for Seeded Runner Status

To qualify for a seeded runner entry, please send an email to Sara Baugh at seededrunners@cherryblossom.org after the qualifying times for 2025 have been posted. If your time in a previous race is confirmed and you qualify, she will respond with instructions on how to enter the race without your having to enter the lottery. Seeded runner candidates are strongly urged to apply for seeded status prior to the opening of the lottery. Applications should include the following information:

• Name
• Gender
• Age and
• Verifiable Race Results (from events 10K through 26.2 miles, and held since January 1, 2023).

Qualifying times for 10 miles are below (proof of performance since January 1, 2023 is required).

We will also accept equivalent times from other race distances from 10K through 26.2 miles – use the race calculator at https://www.hillrunner.com/calculators/race-conversion/ to see what your time in the other distance converts to for 10 miles, then see if you meet the qualifying times below (again, proof of performance since January 1, 2023 is required):