Zimpapers Logo

Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
VETERAN Blanket Mine runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda cemented his dominance of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday when he romped home to his fourth consecutive win in a time of 2 hours 19 minutes 12 seconds.

Sibanda bettered his 2014 time of 2 hrs 20 min 58 sec to run away $900 richer.

He shrugged off the spirited challenge of runner-up Millen Matende, who was 40 seconds slower in 2hrs 19 min 52 sec.

Another marathon veteran, Portipher Dombojena of Hwange Athletics Club completed the run in 2hrs 20 min 37 sec.

Matende of Black Rhinos received $750 while third placed Dombojena, who has been competing in South Africa, got $600.

Veteran Thabitha Tsatsa, 42, won the women’s race in 2 hrs 50 min while defending champion Monica Kativu was relegated to fifth position in 3 hrs 10 min 46 sec.

Second place was taken by 18-year-old Tanzanian Shalom Mueni, who got to the finishing line in 2 hrs 54 min while Lizzy Chokore was third in 3 hrs 01 min 07 sec, beating her sister Chiedza, who was fourth in 3 hrs 9 min 44 sec.

Another veteran Samukeliso Moyo only managed seventh place but won the veterans’ category.

Police officer Munyaradzi Jari won the tightly contested half marathon in 1 hr 5 min 45 sec, beating Tanzanian Panuel Mkungo (1 hr 5 min 51 sec).

Another cop Constance Nyasango (1 hr 17 min 58 sec) won the women’s half marathon ahead of Rutendo Nyahowa (1 hr 18 min 28 sec).

The half marathon winners each pocketed $500 with the runners up getting $350 and the third placed receiving $300.

Moyo said being in the race was meant to motivate younger athletes while Tsatsa said she would continue running for as long as her legs can carry her.

The marathon had more than 2,000 competitors, including those from neighbouring South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Tanzania.