New race promoted despite unpaid winners, R5 million debt

ASA indicated that the race is not sanctioned by the federation or its provincial body, effectively preventing it from being recognised as an official road running event. Lekhuleni owes more than R5 million to runners and suppliers from the 2024 event and is facing a criminal fraud charge linked to the fallout. In 2024, two international winners, Jobo Khatoane of Lesotho and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare, were each promised R1 million but have still not been paid, nearly two years later.

Last week, Lekhuleni told Lowvelder that preparations for the new race were progressing and that sponsors were being secured. “I cannot disclose the date of the event or which sponsors will be on board until I sort out everything,” he said. When questioned about the unpaid prize money, he said new sponsors would settle the outstanding debts.

The 2024 marathon, organised under the Born to Win club, collapsed after it emerged that no confirmed sponsorship funding had been secured. It was further revealed that no trust account existed to safeguard prize money, despite assurances given to athletes ahead of the race. The fallout led to legal action, with at least 15 runners launching a class action over unpaid winnings and expenses.