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IN form: Men's 21km winner Lucky Mohale during the BestMed Tuks race in Pretoria. Photo: Gallo Images

For runners used to winning R5000, Sunday's R250000 first prize is a massive lure.

"We have never had a marathon paying that amount of money," said Mohale. That's the same as first prize in the Two Oceans and only R50000 less than the Comrades - and both of those races are ultra-marathons. The Comrades is 89km and Two Oceans 56, compared to the standard marathon distance of 42.2km.

About 10000 runners are expected to take part in Sunday's race from Mogale City to Johannesburg.

Mohale's training partner Desmond Mokgobu will run the half-marathon.

"This is the biggest standard marathon in the history of South African road running. there is no way I can miss it," said Mohale, of Mr Price Club.

"I'm in the best of shape to win. I know there are many top runners like reigning Soweto Marathon champion Michael Mazibuko and Tsotang Maine coming to compete on Sunday."

Mohale said he and Mokgobu would use Sunday's race to prepare for the world half-marathon championships in Kavarna, Bulgaria, on October 6.