Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
THERE was a huge turnout of athletes at the 11th Beitbridge Mayor’s Anti-Litter half marathon on Saturday, with Blanket Mine Athletics Clun runner Mthokozisi Mhlanga and Nkosiyazi Sibanda winning the open men and veterans’ categories respectively in the 21.1km race.
The race, run from Lutumba growth point to the town centre CBD under the theme: “Beitbridge My Home My Smart City”, drew over 400 athletes including Kenyan long-distance runner Titus Sagini.
The event doubled as a campaign against littering and for a clean Beitbridge.
Mhlanga crossed the line in 1 hour 4 minutes 50 seconds to win the men’s open category, shaving 1 minute 20 seconds off last year’s finishing time of 1 hour 6 minutes 10 seconds.
This time he crossed the finishing line followed by Thabo Mapfumo in 1:05:35 and Lordbister Mathe in 1:06:04.
“I’m happy with the improvement. Last year I finished in 1:06:10 and this year I came in two minutes faster,” Mhlanga said.
“This race not only showcases local talent but is a strong statement on what communities can achieve through collaboration. It’s a great opportunity to groom young talent in sports at the same time promoting a culture of cleanliness in our communities.”
Kenyan runner Titus Sagini featured in the men’s open race and finished 5th, adding international flavour to the event.
Sagini said he was happy to run for a good cause to promote a culture of cleanliness and having an environmental safety conscious society.
In the veterans’ men’s 21.1km, seasoned runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda romped to victory in 1:10:00. Clubmate Nkosientsha Nkiwane was second in 1:12:00, while Africa Shoko from Zimborders came third in 1:13:00.
“I am glad the event is growing bigger each year and the idea to keep a safe and clean environment is attracting more stakeholders and athletes,” Sibanda said.
In 21.1km open women category, Caroline Mhandu stunned seasoned runners to win the race, beating Ennie Chirisa who finished second and Thobile Ncube who came third.
Perennial contenders, Ntombizodwa Chuma and Onita Dube finished in 4th and 5th positions in the senior women category.
In the 21.1km race, Nicholas Mugamiri, Josphat Mugove and Daniel Marisa came out in top three in the master category, with Stella Dokotela being the only master woman who managed to cross the finishing line.
The race also included a 10km race and 5km power walk. Andrew Ndlovu beat Brave Moyo and Tanaka Chikoore in the senior men 10km race while Bonakele Nkomo was victorious in the female category followed by Naume Zimbizi and Beloved Shumba.
The race was also opened to cyclists with Lenias Mcelelwa, Edfill Ndlovu and Praise Muleya completing the top three winners list in the men’s 21.1km race while Prettygirl Ndlovu and Jo-Ann Chizarura managed to ride over the finishing line in the female category.
The Mayor’s Anti-Litter Marathon is a brainchild of Beitbridge Town Clerk Mr Loud Ramakgapola.
It is growing bigger with each year promoting civic participation and a culture of keeping a clean and safe environment in the border town and along highways leading to major cities.
A day before the race, the community led by Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, gathered for a clean-up along the highway and in town as part of the National Clean-Up Day held every first Friday of the month.
The clean-up drive comes as Beitbridge, the country’s busiest border post and gateway to South Africa, grapples with waste pressures.
Residents, businesses and transient populations generate around 1,000 tonnes of solid waste monthly, while the local authority manages to collect about 700 tonnes.
The shortfall manifests in unsightly litter, blocked drains and threats to health and tourism.
