To spur faster times among local participants, the organizers have devised a strategy to bolster the confidence of South African runners ahead of the series spanning Gqeberha, Durban, Cape Town, Tshwane, and Johannesburg.

READ: Khuliso Mudau admits Rulani Mokwena’s frustrations over injuries fair

In the men’s division, surpassing the 27-minute mark will earn athletes a substantial reward of R200 000. Similarly, female participants stand to gain R200 000 for breaking the 30-minute and 23-second barriers.

''The incentives serve as a motivation to us as athletes, and it's a reward for our hard work and dedication, lastly it attracts top talent of experienced athletes to be a part of this race,'' said Gelant.

A further R50 000 awaits any male runner who can surpass the current South African 10km record of 27 minutes and 35 seconds, set by Precious Mashele in April 2023 in Gqeberha.

The organizers aim to provide local athletes with lucrative opportunities, sparing them the need to compete overseas. Gelant believes that these bonuses will inspire South African runners to showcase their best performances this year.

''The bonus incentives motivate me to push myself and achieve the best possible time during the race. I believe these incentives can help all athletes to perform better and reach their full potential,'' added Gelant.

In the men’s division, reaching times of sub-28 earns you R60 000, while achieving sub 27:40 is rewarded with R80 000.

Breaking the sub-27:20 marl earns R100 000, with further incentives of R120 000 for sub-27:10 and R200 000 for sub-27. Additionally, a bonus of R50 000 is offered for setting a new South African record below 27:35.

For female runners, surpassing 32:08 secured R60 000 while achieving sub 31:33 brings R80 000. Breaking the sub-30:59 mark earns R100 000, with R120 000 for sub-30:41 and R200 000 for sub-30:23.

Furthermore, a bonus of R50 000 is available for breaking the South African women’s record of 31:13, held by Elana Meyer since 2001 in Budapest, Hungary.

''So running fast times can lead to additional financial rewards - that can be used to cover training expenses.

''Breaking the 10 km record would mean so much to me, it will be a major boost to my career - especially with the Olympics coming up,'' he concluded.

The 2024 Absa Run Your City 10km series kicks off in Gqeberha on Sunday, April 7th, followed by the Cape Town leg on Sunday, Mat 12th, and the Durban race on July 7th.

The Tshwane race is set for Sunday, August 25th, and the series concludes with the Johannesburg event on Sunday, September 24th.

MXOLISI-MACHUPHU

Royal AM striker now a free agent, set to join rivals

Royal AM down Richards Bay in five-goal thriller

Editors Pick