Johannesburg - South Africa's top woman roadrunners have a lot to look forward to this year, with increases in the prize money for the Spar Women's 10km Challenge Grand Prix series.
The top runners in the five-race series, held around the country, earn Grand Prix points from each event and this year, the winner will pocket a cheque for R150 000 instead of driving away in a new car.
The second prize has been increased by R20 000 to R50 000, and the third prize is now worth R30 000.
There are also cash prizes for the top 15 runners on the points table.
The top runners in the different age categories will also receive increased prize money, with a first prize of R4000, a second prize of R3000 and R1500 for coming third.
Five runners have claimed the Grand Prix title over its eight-year history.
Rene Kalmer, the first winner, is also the most successful, with three Grand Prix titles to her name. She has also won more individual races than any other runner.
Irvette van Zyl has won it twice, while Poppy Mlambo, Mapaseka Makhanya and last year's winner, Diana-Lebo Phalula, being the other winners.
The first race in the 2015 Grand Prix series will be run in Cape Town on March 29. The Port Elizabeth race takes place on May 9 and the Durban event is on June 7. The Pretoria race, which is the only afternoon race, takes place on Saturday August 29, and the final race on the calendar is in Johannesburg on October 11.
Sapa