Annie Bothma returns to Durban International Marathon as organisers increase prize purse

With less than a month to go before the Durban International Marathon, organizers have announced a significant increase in the prize money as they aim to make the event one of the best in the country. The race, scheduled for May 3, celebrates its sixth edition this year, with organizers predicting a total of 10,000 mass participants in the two offered distances of 42km and 10km.

Bothma celebrates victory at the 2023 Durban International Marathon which incorporated the ASA Marathon Championships. She is expected to run the race again on 3 May 2026. Photo Credit: Supplied.

Speaking at a press conference hosted by one of the race partners, Riverside Hotel, on Thursday, April 9, organizers confirmed that the winners in both the men's and women's categories will take home R80 000 each, which is an increase of R5,000 from last year's R75 000. R45 000 will go to the runner-up, R20 000 for third place, while fourth and fifth will receive R13 000 and R10 000 respectively. Durban International Marathon Race Director Sihle Shange described the increase in prize as good move intended to benefit athletes. 

"I have been involved with the race since It's establishment and I'm happy with the way it has grown over the years. This is a good step,” he told #TheTopRunner. "We are hoping it will motivate athletes to stay in the sport. Not so many races in the country pay this much and we are grateful to our sponsors who continue to support the race," Shange explained. 

Shange (far left) and the rest of the organisers of the 2026 Durban International Marathon pose for a photo after announcing the total prize purse and elite athlete incentive time bonus scheme for the 2026 event. Photo Credit: Supplied.

In addition to the increase in the total prize purse, organizers also announced the a time bonus incentives scheme aimed to encourage athletes to strive for fast times. A R25 000 reward is on offer for any athlete that can better the course record. The men will have to complete the 42,2km in under 2:09:32, a record established by Olympian Elroy Gelant in his 2024 victory. For women, the goal is to surpass the 2:29:46 barrier, set by Cian Oldknow also during the 2024 edition of the race.

The news of the handsome rewards on offer are sure to get the approval of the top runners who have signed up to race The 2026 Durban International Marathon. Zimbabwe's Ngonidzashe Ncubewho claimed a top ten finish at the 2021 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and holds a personal best of 2:11:45 will be one of the athletes aiming to use the race as a springboard to international success in the same way that his countryman Isaac Mpofu did when he won the event in 2022. In the women's division, Annie Bothma who won the 2023 race in a lifetime best of 2:30:31 to be crowned SA Marathon Champion that year, will carry local hopes as the fastest female athlete in the elite field.