The 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto wants local race organisers to pay prize monies in record time.
Kipruto said local races are good training opportunities and it will be a ‘bad idea’ if top runners avoid them due to doubts over the remittance of winnings.
Speaking during the launch of the inaugural Kapsabet Half Marathon on Sunday, the 2019 World marathon bronze medalist, said: “I hope the payment (of prize money) will be done on time. If a race pays athletes on time, then more show up in subsequent events.”
The 2018 Berlin Marathon silver medalist added: “We have had so many local races die due to lack of or delayed payment. I want to urge the organisers of the Kapsabet Half Marathon to pay on time to gain a good reputation.”
“Many forget that the local races are the gateway to the international competitions,” added Kipruto, who finished second at the 2022 New York and Tokyo marathons.
He also called on fellow athletes to keep off doping, urging patience.
“If you want to get rich quickly and faster, then turn to cheating. Earn little but for a long time rather than earning a lot for a short time. You try a shortcut, you will be caught and you will tarnish our (Kenyans) name,” said Kipruto.
The Kapsabet Half Marathon will be held on March 31, starting at Nandi Hills and concluding at Kapsabet ASK Showground.
