Winners of last year’s Legends Ultra Marathon have still not received their prizes nearly four months after the much publicised race.
Those who are still waiting for their prizes include world renowned road runner Lusapho April, who won the 21km half-marathon.
Legends founder and chairman Luthando Bara confirmed that 10 people were still awaiting payment due to a glitch with their banks.
The race held in October last year, and in its second year had three categories – a 68km ultra marathon, 21km half marathon and a 5km fun run.
April told the Daily Dispatch that he was still waiting for his R15000 cash prize.
“So last week I decided to give them a call and I was told that payment was pending the dope testing results and that we would have to wait. But that is the frustration – the lack of communication. Had I not called them myself who knew what would happen,” said April.
Cyril Bekker, who came third in the grandmaster’s category, said he was frustrated with the runaround he is being subjected to.
“Just a week after the race I was contacted by the organisers, asking me to submit my banking details, which I did. Then in November we were told to wait for the dope test results.
“Shortly after that, they said something was wrong with my account and that I should re-submit which I did, but even today nothing has happened,” said Bekker.
Bara said most payments were made in December and only those who had problems with their Nedbank accounts had not received their money.
“Initially we were told to hold off on payments until the results were back. Then we decided to boycott that ruling because we felt that people would need their money and we processed the payments,” said Bara, adding that they have been making efforts to communicate with those people.
However, April rejects Bara’s claim saying that he banks with FNB and his payment should have come through.
“This is very disheartening, I put all my energy in that race knowing that I stood a chance to win a cash prize. I feel like I raced for nothing and I’m now discouraged to enter the race should it take place again,” said April. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Marathon winners cry foul over unpaid prizes
Those who are still waiting for their prizes include world renowned road runner Lusapho April, who won the 21km half-marathon.
Legends founder and chairman Luthando Bara confirmed that 10 people were still awaiting payment due to a glitch with their banks.
The race held in October last year, and in its second year had three categories – a 68km ultra marathon, 21km half marathon and a 5km fun run.
April told the Daily Dispatch that he was still waiting for his R15000 cash prize.
“So last week I decided to give them a call and I was told that payment was pending the dope testing results and that we would have to wait. But that is the frustration – the lack of communication. Had I not called them myself who knew what would happen,” said April.
Cyril Bekker, who came third in the grandmaster’s category, said he was frustrated with the runaround he is being subjected to.
“Just a week after the race I was contacted by the organisers, asking me to submit my banking details, which I did. Then in November we were told to wait for the dope test results.
“Shortly after that, they said something was wrong with my account and that I should re-submit which I did, but even today nothing has happened,” said Bekker.
Bara said most payments were made in December and only those who had problems with their Nedbank accounts had not received their money.
“Initially we were told to hold off on payments until the results were back. Then we decided to boycott that ruling because we felt that people would need their money and we processed the payments,” said Bara, adding that they have been making efforts to communicate with those people.
However, April rejects Bara’s claim saying that he banks with FNB and his payment should have come through.
“This is very disheartening, I put all my energy in that race knowing that I stood a chance to win a cash prize. I feel like I raced for nothing and I’m now discouraged to enter the race should it take place again,” said April. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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