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Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge
VETERAN long distance runner Jonathan Chinyoka has won the second edition of the Beitbridge Mayor’s 21km half marathon held at the weekend.

The race, staged on Saturday morning, is the brainchild of town secretary, Loud Ramakgapola.  It was held under the theme “Beitbridge Against                      Litter” in partnership with Sanctuary Insurance, Econet Wireless, ZB Bank, Nyaradzo Funeral Services, Moonlight Funeral Services, FBC Bank and Malindi Transit Shed.

The event is meant to raise awareness among Beitbridge residents and the 13 000 daily transit populace, which passes through the border town daily, on issues of managing solid waste.

Littering has become a perennial headache for the local authority, with the town producing a total of 700 tonnes of solid waste per month.

Chinyoka beat over 60 others to romp home in a time of one hour 10 minutes. He was followed by Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine Athletics Club and Gilbert Mutandiro.

Mutandiro won the inaugural race in one hour eight minutes last year.

The 21km race started at Lutumba Business Centre and ended at Border Service Station in the central business district.

Sheila Jones won the women’s race followed by Littlet Moyo and Chipo Gombi.

Ramakgapola said: “This year’s race was a lot better in terms of preparations. We were better organised.

“There were lots of corporate sponsors and we also attracted a lot of professional runners from all over Zimbabwe.

“It is our wish to have a bigger and better event next year and we appreciate the support from local politicians. We had the Senator for Beitbridge Tambudzani Mohadi gracing this year’s event.”

Mohadi also launched the Community Sports and Recreation Clubs.

The Community Sports and Recreation Clubs are a Ministry of Sport and Recreation initiative that encourage mass participation in sporting activities starting from grassroots to national level.