Seeded Runners
Seeded Runners
Top open and age-group runners are eligible for special seeded numbers. Seeded runners may be admitted after the lottery closes 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 requesting Seeded Runner status is February 15, 2025. If you submit by February 15 and are accepted as a seeded runner, you will be sent a one-time access code that you can use to enter the race at the prevailing entry fee. The access code will become inactive if it is not used by February 28, 2025.
Note: The seeded runner qualifying times (see table below) have changed for 2025, so be sure to consult the table before applying. Qualifying performances must have been posted since January 1, 2023 for consideration.
A Second 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. 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):
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 19 |
1:06:00
|
1:14:00
|
| 20-24 |
55:00
|
1:05:00
|
| 25-29 |
55:00
|
1:05:00
|
| 30-34 |
56:00
|
1:05:00
|
| 35-39 |
58:00
|
1:08:00
|
| 40-44 |
1:02:00
|
1:08:00
|
| 45-49 |
1:05:00
|
1:14:00
|
| 50-54 |
1:08:00
|
1:18:00
|
| 55-59 |
1:10:00
|
1:22:00
|
| 60-64 |
1:14:00
|
1:27:00
|
| 65-69 |
1:22:00
|
1:38:00
|
| 70-74 |
1:30:00
|
1:50:00
|
| 75-79 |
1:45:00
|
2:05:00
|
| 80+ |
2:15:00
|
2:18:00
|