SWEATING FOR NOTHING
Most marathon runners yet to be paid their dues
BOTSWANA Athletics Association (BAA) has threatened to take action against clubs and race organisers who fail to pay athletes on time.
The threat was made by BAA Vice PresidentAdministration, Oabona Theetso, following complaints from athletes who are yet to receive their prize monies from marathons from as far back as 2021.
Theetso said they were aware of these complaints and will be taking action soon. He said they’re also aware of the many international athletes who compete in local marathons without clearance from their respective associations. The influx of foreigners has been one of the biggest concerns raised by various clubs and individual athletes recently. He said despite an agreement made that no foreign athletes should compete locally without clearance, clubs continue to ignore this.
“This year, we have written to all race organisers that no foreigner must be allowed to register without clearance from their federation through us,” he said.
Voice Sport has interviewed some athletes who competed in the Gubungano Marathon and Orapa Half Marathon on November 11th and 25th respectively, who are are yet to lay their hands on the promised prize monies.
Left in the lurch by organisers, and speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, one of the runners said he’s yet to be paid for his exploits in the diamond mining town of Orapa, despite promises of a windfall when they registered to compete.
He said initially organisers promised to award the top five locals across all categories, but later changed it to only the top three.
He revealed to Voice Sport that, to date, some athletes have received a fraction of what was promised, while others have been left with ‘itching’ palms. “The procedure is if there are no issues of doping, payments should be made within 14 days provided it is a lot of money. If not, prize monies should be paid immediately after the race,” he said.
Another concerned athlete also revealed to Voice Sport that he was yet to receive his prize from the Gubungano Marathon. “I need the money, that’s why I run. I need it for my upkeep, to buy running gear and for my supplements,” he told Voice Sport.
He said repeated efforts to engage the organisers bore no fruit. “I reached out to them last year, but didn’t bother this year because they never say anything that gives hope,” he dejectedly said.
Orapa Half Marathon Chairman, Onewamang Letsatsi, was quick to admit the financial challenges that come with organising a marathon. He said a prospective title sponsor pulled out at the eleventh hour, leaving them with very little time to find another one.
“We’ve been very transparent with athletes. With the amount of money from registration fees, we settled for a compromise. Those who agreed were paid instantly. The same arrangement was made with foreign athletes,” revealed Letsatsi.
Gubungano organiser, Carlos Sebina, also talked about the many challenges they face in organising marathons. Sebina, however, opted to remain positive and said they were still focused on making Gubungano one of the biggest marathons in the country.