The Indian marathon boom has brought many benefits to Indian health and fitness, contributed to philanthropic causes, and, of course, introduced prize money for athletes. After
20 years later, it is time these races paid Indian athletes prize money comparable to that of international athletes. In the 80s, athletes started receiving prize money for their races, and in exceptional cases, appearance money was also paid. In india however athletes had to wait till 2004 when the marathons organised by private institutions started to pay out prize money.
Five of our current road races have since acquired gold label status for 4 races, while one has the first level of world label events. World Athletics has specific regulations that must be met at a minimum level in each category. Under these specifications, there is a minimum suggested prize money for gold-label events. As a result, these gold-label events adhere to those standards and pay out huge prize money by Indian standards.
For example, the recently concluded Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon prize money structure was $ 27,000 USD, $ 20,000 USD, and $ 15,000 USD for the first three places (confirm exact amounts from official websites). In comparison the Indian winners received 3.5 lakhs rupees 2.5 lakhs and 1.5 lakhs for the first three places.
After 20 years of these races, I think it is time that the Indian runners get an equitable share of prize money, if not equal. Say a 10 lakhs ($10,517 US), 7.5 lakhs ($7,888 US), and 5 lakhs ($5,259 US) must be the standard for a justifiable prize money system that not only gives Indian athletes more financial cushion but also raises their confidence to reach higher standards.
That’s my suggestion, and it’s definitely time to do this as a step which will accelerate our rise to the top in world athletics. The initial prize money has definitely helped, and perhaps the marathon course record was broken after 48 years. In response to the athletes’ efforts, it is time to rethink their prize money further.
