Dutch Marathon discriminates against foreign runners

A Dutch equality watchdog says organizers of this year's Utrecht Marathon discriminated against foreign runners by not allowing them to race for the main prize of 10,000 euros. Organisers asked the Dutch Equal Treatment Commission to investigate their prize policy after the April 25 race sparked angry accusations of racism. Organisers said that the intention was to stimulate Dutch runners and "never to shut out foreign athletes.''

The winner's prize for the Utrecht Marathon was 100 euros, but a Dutch winner also earned a 10,000 euros bonus. The incentive appeared to work, with Dutch runner Michel Butter winning a race often dominated by Kenyans.