Mbalula offers R100k bonus for SA winners of Comrades Marathon
The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, has offered a R100 000 bonus for a South African winner in both the men’s and women’s race in the Comrades Marathon on Sunday.
The winner of the 89km race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in either race will receive a winner’s cheque of R400 000, and the bonus for a South African winner adds extra incentive for local runners.
Gift Kelehe and Caroline Wostmann, both South African, won the respective men’s and women’s races in 2015.
In a statement on Friday, Mbalula said he was proud to announce the R100 000 Ministerial Recognition Prize award to be handed out to South African winners of the Comrades Marathon.
“Athletes put in hard work preparing for this epic and historical race,” said Mbalula.
“Motivating them by rewards when they excel is the least we could do to show our appreciation as a nation. Our athletes continue to hoist our flag high uniting and giving us hope amidst all the challenges we have as a nation. They spent most of their time ensuring that when the whistle is blown our great nation is celebrated as a centre of dedication to excellence.” - ANA