Sibanda wins 8th  Zim, SA marathon Nkosiyazi Sibanda

Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge
NKOSIYAZI Sibanda of Blanket Mine Athletics Club proved virtual ownership of the Two Countries Marathon by claiming his eighth win on Saturday.

Sibanda shrugged off challenges from his countrymen Peter Tumbare and Lloyd Muchena in the race involving South Africa. Tumbare and Muchena finished second and third respectively, while 2017 winner Lutendo Mapoto from South Africa settled for fourth place.

The event, which is jointly organised by the Beitbridge Rural District Council, Beitbridge Municipality and Musina Municipality, was held between Beitbridge and Musina for the 14th year as part of celebrations of the twining agreement between the two border towns.

Since its inception, Zimbabwean athletes have dominated the race, which starts at Nottingham turn-off, some 10km along the Beitbridge-Bulawayo road, and ends at Eric Louw High School in Musina.

Musina Municipality race coordinator Matthews Sithole said yesterday a total of 91 athletes from the two countries had competed in the 42.2km main race.

For his efforts, Sibanda pocketed R7 000 and a gold medal, while Tumbare and Muchena received R4 000 and R3 000 respectively accompanied by silver and bronze medals.

“The significance of the marathon is to build relations for people from the two countries starting at local governance level. This is a unique marathon starting in one country and ending in the other country. We are happy with the growth of the race since we are attracting more professional athletes. However, we need to do more in marketing the race and to increase the prize money so that we attract more corporates and athletes,” said Sithole.

Beitbridge East MP Albert Nguluvhe, who also took part in the first 10km of the race, said the marathon will go a long way in enhancing cooperation between citizens and institutions from Zimbabwe and South Africa.

“It is important to note that we are just one people as Africans who are only divided by a colonial border. I also want to encourage people to live healthy lives and exercise regularly. A healthy mind goes with a healthy body,” Nguluvhe said.

Zimbabwean race coordinator Peter Ncube said the marathon was more than just a race since it provided a platform for cooperation on local governance issues for Zimbabwe and South Africa.

You Might Also Like

Comments