Lucrative prizes for Econet race

THE lucrative winners’ prize money for the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon is expected to draw some of the country’s finest runners.

The premier athletics event that draws participants from across the world, will be held on Sunday, July 2 in the resort city.

A total of US$18 000 has been set aside as prizemoney for the marathon, half-marathon and wheelchair participants.

Winners for the 42km men and women’s races will take away US$1 250 each, with the first runner-up getting US$1 000, US$850 each for the athletes who finish third, US$700 for fourth positions and US$450 for fifth placed.

The organisers have to be commended for putting up same prizes for men and women.

In the past women have been paid a pittance in some competitions but following lobbyists in recent years, leading communications company Econet have addressed the gender parity equation.

Athletes of the older generations Samukeliso Moyo, Margaret Mahohoma, Olivia Chitate, Sikhohlisiwe Mpofu and Munodaani Chatambuka were paid less than their male counterparts at the peak of their careers.

Those who cross the line from position six to 10 will each get US$300, US$250, US$200, US$150 and US$100 respectively.

The top 10 prizes for the half marathon are US$500, 2 US$400, 3 US$300, 4 US$250, 5 US$225, 6 US$200, 7 U$150, 8 US$100, 9 US$75 and 10 US$50.

Only the top two will be paid in the wheelchair category, with winners of the hand cycle getting US$450 each and US$300. The same prize money will be paid for a wheelchair or tricycle.

— @ZililoR