Posted: February 10, 2006

Athletics: Marathoners get a close-up look at record US$1.575 million prize pool

Teams and individuals come face-to-face with the money they could win at the end of The Greatest Race On Earth marathon series on Sunday

10 February 2006, Hong Kong – Athletes due to run in the fourth and final leg of The Standard Chartered Greatest Race On Earth 2005/6 marathon series today were allowed tantalisingly close to the prize they have all been coveting since the series began in October last year. This Sunday’s marathon in Hong Kong will see teams and individuals rewarded for their efforts in competing in the world’s first marathon relay across four cities, having already visited Nairobi, Singapore and Mumbai. The athletes held the US$1.575 million, contained in briefcases, representing the largest prize pool in the history of athletics.

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited CEO, Peter Sullivan, said meeting the athletes was a particularly enjoyable experience. “They are all such dedicated athletes, they have trained so hard just to be here and I was truly inspired by them,” commented Sullivan. “I have nothing but respect for them. Their conditioning, willpower and determination are absolutely amazing and they are some of the best athletes in the world.”

Kenyan athlete Noah Bor stands to win $400,000 for his team, Run For Peace Fun, if he can maintain their overall lead in the Main Team Challenge. “Participating in this unique event means a lot to me. The prize money would be able to sustain my family for a long time and winning the marathon would help my career immensely,” said Bor. “What motivates me to succeed most though is the hard work and effort my team-mates have put into preparing for The Greatest Race. I hope I can do them proud.”

In total, 124 Greatest Race athletes from 30 different countries will compete on Sunday in what has been dubbed the World Cup Of Marathons.

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