Soweto Marathon prize money dispute sparks government action as Cape Town Marathon draws elite Kenyan runner

Six months after the Soweto Marathon in South Africa, winners Margaret Jepchumba (Kenya) and Joseph Seutloali (Lesotho) have not received the prize money they were promised. Organizers initially blamed the delay on pending drug‑test results, but the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport confirmed clearances were completed in January. A complex ownership dispute between the former Soweto Marathon Trust and the newly formed Soweto Marathon NPC, together with claims of financial mismanagement, has stalled payments. Athletes and their coaches have demanded updates and threatened legal action, while South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced a temporary government takeover and the pursuit of criminal charges against the organizers.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, scheduled for 24 May, is attracting world‑class talent, with Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge expressing excitement to compete after the 2023 edition was cancelled due to severe weather. The event is expected to draw both local and international runners, highlighting contrasting fortunes for South Africa’s major road races.