Global economic downturn hits Kenyan runners

By Jack Oyoo

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenyan athletes are feeling the effects of the global economic downturn as European race organisers 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 metres gold medallist 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 programmes," 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.