Pro runners hit by downturn

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenyan athletes are feeling the effects of the global economic downturn as European race organizers cut the benefits offered, a leading manager said.

"Hamburg Marathon, one of the best marathons in the world, did not invite athletes this year and the prize money was reduced from 40,000 euro to 6,000 for the winner," said Italian Gianni Demadona, who represents top Kenyans including Olympic 800 meters gold medalist Wilfred Bungei.
The Berlin Golden League meeting had decided to pay no appearance fees to athletes, only prize money, he added, while the London Super Grand Prix had cut prize money by half. The Italian, whose stable is among the richest in terms of athletics talent, said the situation could worsen.
"Most contracts (with sports apparel manufacturers) expiring are not being renewed, while some are being renewed with a huge reduction," he told Reuters. Athletics Kenya secretary-general David Okeyo said European events were issuing fewer invitations for Kenyan athletes.
"We are aware of the situation and I only hope this won't affect grants from our partners like Nike because it could impact badly on our programs," Okeyo told Reuters on Saturday.
Athletics Kenya (AK) relies heavily on grants from Nike and the world ruling body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), to finance local competitions.
AK and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya each get $250,000 a year from long-term contracts with Nike that will end in 2012.

Kenyan athletes, who dominate the global road-running circuit, bring home millions of dollars each year which they often invest in real estate, especially in the agriculturally-rich Rift Valley area.

mzungo.org says: These are indeed sad news although certainly not surprising. Many of you may think "Heck, I got laid off, why should it be easier for the Kenyan runners?" And there is little we can say against that. Still, a pay day at the Hamburg marathon in the past was good enough to keep a whole Kenyan village happy for a full year...

So, what can we do? mzungo.org's mission is to give all the amazing Kenyan (and Ethiopian and other!) runners a platform. We believe in the excitment of distance running and its needs for running stars. Stay tuned for future projects to make things happen!