Comrades ups its prize money

Cape Town - The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has increased prize money ahead of next year's gruelling ultra-marathon between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

The CMA said in a statement on Thursday that prize money had been increased by 20 percent.

"This translates into an astounding R2 653 700 in total cash prizes, the highest amount paid out in any South African road-running fixture," the CMA said.

The 2012 male and female winners will each run off with a first prize of R300 000.

In addition to prize money for the first 10 men and women, as well as hot spots and age group rewards, a new men's or women's record will earn the victor R300 000.

"The Comrades Marathon is not just the biggest ultra-marathon in South Africa but the largest in the world," said race director Johan van Staden.

"To this end, it is only natural that the 'Ultimate Human Race' attracts the cream of the crop when it comes to top runners."

Entries for the 2012 edition of the race, which will be run on June 3, opened on Thursday and will close at the end of November.

Prize Money for 2012:

Position    Men & Women

Position 1    R 300,000
Position 2    R 145 000
Position 3    R 110 000
Position 4    R 55 000
Position 5    R 42 000
Position 6    R 25 000
Position 7    R 20 000
Position 8    R 18 000
Position 9    R 16 000
Position 10  R 14 000