Nick Bester appeals to ASA to help pay Soweto Marathon prize money

The Nedbank Running Club manager is particularly concerned about his foreign athletes, including women's champion Margaret Jepchumba, who is still waiting for her R250 000 prize money.

Lesotho's Joseph Seutloali, who won the men's race, is also yet to receive his R250 000.

Bester also has George Kusche in his team, who finished fourth and is among the runners still waiting to be paid.

The Soweto Marathon took place on 29 November 2025, but almost a year later, the athletes have not received their prize money.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Bester said the organisers had failed to respond to their attempts to get the payments sorted out. He believes ASA should step in and help resolve the matter.

"Athletics South Africa should step in and intervene and assist with the payment of the runners. It is actually ASA's problem. I think our new acting president, Jean Verster, must start looking into it.

"We have tried to push the organisers to pay the athletes, but there has been no response," he said.

READ: Irvette van Zyl – Other runners need the money more, please pay

Bester is particularly worried about Jepchumba, who beat South African stars Gerda Steyn and Irvette van Zyl to claim the women's title.

He believes the R250 000 prize money could make a huge difference to her life, especially after the hard work she put into preparing for the race.

"Margaret needs her money. She is depending on that money. She trains hard and expects to be rewarded for her hard work. That money can change her life.

"She beat Gerda Steyn and Irvette van Zyl to win the toughest marathon fair and square. She deserves her money. The same applies to Gerda, Irvette and every other runner, including our George Kusche, who finished fourth.

"We cannot do anything more. I think ASA must do something. With the ASA elections coming up, we hope the new leadership can sort everything out," Bester explained.

Bester, who has led the Nedbank Running Club's Dream Team for decades, hopes the incoming ASA leadership will bring stability and find a solution to the outstanding payments.

He believes athletics needs strong leadership, financial support and sponsors to move forward, warning that the sport cannot afford poor governance.

"We must have good leadership so that the ship does not sink. We need money and sponsors, not a corrupt organisation," he added.