Jabu Mbuli pleads with corporate companies to support Soweto Marathon

Mbuli’s call follows the recent announcement by the Two Oceans Marathon organisers, who confirmed a 60% increase in prize money for both the marathon and half-marathon events this year. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mbuli said it would be ideal for headline sponsor African Bank to be joined by additional partners, a move he believes would allow organisers to increase prize money and introduce performance-based incentives.

“The prize money depends on the financial muscle injected by the corporate world. Without that support, the sport continues to suffer,” said Mbuli.

“For us to deliver a world-class event, we are making a heartfelt plea to corporate companies to join hands with us and take this iconic race forward. We have a burning desire to increase the prize money from R250 000 to at least R300 000 or more, but for that to happen, we need financial backing.”

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Mbuli admitted that publicised disputes within the organisation may have discouraged potential sponsors but insists lessons have been learned.

“We know our fights were well documented in the media, and we must learn to protect both the sponsor and the race. If we can sit down and resolve our issues, we can still attract a world-class field,” he added.

“We can salvage the Soweto Marathon and make it a memorable event again. Our door remains open to new partners.”

However, Mbuli acknowledged that last year’s infighting, backstabbing and ownership disputes must be put firmly aside if new partners are to be attracted. According to him, the Soweto Marathon, scheduled to take place on 1 November at Nasrec, still has massive growth potential.

Athletics South Africa has officially confirmed its 2026 fixtures, with the Soweto Marathon returning to its traditional first week-of-November slot after being moved to 29 November last year due to the World Summit Conference at Nasrec.