Molotsane banks on local athletes to retain Grand Prix Series title

The Spar 10km Grand Prix Challenge is back bigger and better. The race organizers amplified this year's event as they increased the prize money to R2 million in six races run in six cities - Mbombela, Gqeberha, Durban, Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.

The overall winner on points after the six races wins the Grand Prize. The first race will takes place in Gqeberha on the 28th of May, with the last race taking place in Cape Town on the 23rd of October. Speaking at the launch in Cape Town, Kesa Molotsane is optimistic the title will stay in the country.

œI™m actually excited for the idea, once again I™m happy I said this a few times that we giving other cities an opportunity to showcase what we can possibly see as developments in that particular city and the province itself

"There hasn™t been much happening in Mpumalanga when it comes to athletics and I think the Spar virtual challenge going to Mbombela will give Mpumalanga a name

and an opportunity to showcase their part and actually do something for their community as well" said Molotsane.

Mbombela replaced Pietermaritzburg as the new host city.

"We not really taking everything away from Pietermaritzburg but I think taking turns from city to city its part of the development in South Africa for athletics said Molotsane in addition.

The prize money got increased from R1.7 million to R2 million, and Molotsane says she appreciates the effort of the sponsors. The prize money for each race is R170 000 and the winner of each race will collect R30 000 and 20 points.

Helialia Johannes and Tadu Nare of Namibia and Ethiopia won the past two titles, but Molotsane is adamant that the title will stay at home this year.

œYou know with the level of fitness that Glenrose Xaba is at, at the moment and Irvette Van Zyl honestly speaking I™m really positive that it (title) might be retained in South Africa and I™m looking forward to that day when we finally bring it back to home soil, it has been going outside the country the past two season  Molostane concluded.

By Charles Baloyi