Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
Blanket Mine Athletics club runners dominated the Beitbridge Mayor’s anti-litter half marathon that was held between Lutumba Growth point and the town’s Central Business District this Saturday.
The team’s top runners Mthokozisi Mhlanga and Nkosiyazi Sibanda were both victorious in the senior and veteran men category in the 21.1 km race.
Mhlanga crossed the finishing line in 1 hour 4 minutes and 50 seconds followed by Thabo Mapfumo who arrived in 1 hour 5 minutes and 35 seconds with Lordbister Mathe clocking 1 hour 6 minutes and 4 seconds in third position.
Mhlanga this time around was faster after having crossed the same finishing line in 1 hour 6 minutes and 10 seconds last year.
In the veterans men category, seasoned runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda romped to victory in 1 hour 10 minutes followed by Nkosientsha Nkiwane also from Blanket Mine in 1 hour 12 minutes and Africa Shoko from Zimborders was third after clocking 1 hour 13 minutes.
The 10km and 5 km races are still underway.
Over 400 athletes are participating in the race driving home a strong statement against littering.
The is being held under the theme “Beitbridge My Home My Smart City.”
The Beitbridge Mayor’s Anti-Litter Marathon entered its 11th year this time promoting civic participation and a culture of keeping a clean and safe environment within the town and the highways leading to major towns in the country.
It is a brainchild of Beitbridge town clerk Mr Loud Ramakgapola and has been growing bigger with each year attracting professional athletes from various clubs nationally.
In seperate interviews Mhlanga and Sibanda said the race did not only provide an opportunity to show case local talent but was a strong statement on what communities can achieve through collaboration.
“This is a great opportunity to groom young talent in sports at the same time promoting a culture of cleanilness in our communities, ” said Mhlanga.
His counterpart Sibanda said, “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.”
The event features a 21km race, 10km race and a 5km power walk competition.
A day before the race the Beitbridge the community led by Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution gathered to clean up the town and along the highway as part of the dictates of the regular National Day of clean up that is held on every first Friday of each calendar month.
Beitbridge residents, businesses and transient population produce solid waste around 1 000 tonnes monthly while the local authority only manages to collect around 700 tonnes.
The shortfall manifests in unsightly litter, blocked drains and a threat to both health and tourism in a town that serves as the country’s busiest border post and gateway to South Africa.
