East African athletes are without doubt the world’s best long distance runners. They continue to dominate marathon events in different corners of the globe.
Currently, the reigning champions of all the five Abbott World Marathon Majors (Berlin Marathon, New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, London Marathon) are either from Kenya or Ethiopia.
Despite East African athletes registering brilliant performances in the above races, very few people are aware of the amount of money runners pocket by winning these marathon races.
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TeamKenya.co.ke takes a look at the top five highest-paying marathons in the world.
Nagoya Women’s Marathon
Japan-based Nagoya women’s marathon is the highest paying road race in the world with prize money of $250,000 (Approximately Ksh30,000,000).
The 2022 edition was won by Kenyan athlete Ruth Chepngetich. Chepngetich, a former world champion, clocked 2:17.18 to win the race ahead of Kenyan-born Israel international Lonah Chemtai Salpeter and Yuka Ando from Japan.
BMW Berlin Marathon
The BMW Berlin Marathon is one of the highest-paying road races in the world. The event which is held annually in the German capital awards a winner of the 42km category $232,725 (Approximately Ksh28,000,000).
Eliud Kipchoge is set to feature in this year’s edition which will be held on September 25. Kipchoge set the current marathon world record in Berlin in 2019.
Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is one of the oldest road races in the world. The event awards winners a whopping $150,000 (Approximately Ksh18,000,000).
Kenya’s Benson Kipruto won the 2021 edition in a time of 2:09.51. The Ethiopian duo of Lemi Hayle and Jemal Yimer clocked 2:10.37 and 2:10.38 finish second and third respectively.
New York City Marathon
In 2021, the TSC New York City marathon winners were awarded $100,000 (Approximately Ksh12,000,000).
The Kenyan duo of Peres Jepchirchir and Albert Korir are the current title holders of the New York City Marathon.
Jepchirchir clocked 2:22.39 to run away with the women’s title while Korir crossed the finishing line in 2:08.22 to clinch the men’s title.
Chicago City Marathon
Similar to the TSC New York City Marathon, the Bank of America Chicago City Marathon also pays winners $100,000 (Approximately Ksh12,000,000).
Ethiopia’s Seifu Tura is the reigning champion. He won the 2021 edition in 2:06.12 ahead of American international Galen Rupp and Eric Kiptanui.
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