* Publicity and Fame: Runners-up gain significant exposure, becoming known faces within the Australian culinary scene.
* Career Opportunities: The show often acts as a springboard for contestants, allowing them to secure restaurant jobs, catering gigs, or even their own food businesses.
* Financial Benefits: Runners-up may get sponsorship deals or other opportunities that generate income.
* The "Almost" Award: While not official, many viewers see the runners-up as almost as deserving as the winners and often hold them in high regard.
So, while no formal award is given, runners-up on MKR certainly reap the rewards of their time on the show.