adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
PREPARATIONS for the 11th edition of the Two Countries’ marathon involving Zimbabwe and South Africa scheduled to take place in September have gathered pace with registration set to open next Monday.
The Two Countries’ marathon is organised by the Musina Municipality in conjunction with the Beitbridge Rural District and Town councils as part of celebrations to mark the twining agreement between the border towns signed in 1996.
Zimbabwe’s race coordinator, Charles Sayers said the preparations were quickened in a bid to increase the number of local participants.
“We had very few Zimbabweans in previous races because most were not able to register on time since word about the marathon went out late,” said Sayers.
“Registration will start at the Beitbridge Rural District and Town councils from Monday next week. Those in South Africa can register at the Musina Municipality. We are also working towards setting up an online registration platform.”
The race, Sayers said, was only open to athletes from both Zimbabwe and South Africa with valid travel documents.
Besides the flagship marathon (42,2km), a half marathon and 10km walking race would also be held. The marathon will start at Nottingham turnoff, 10km outside Beitbridge town along the Bulawayo road, and end at Eric Louw High School in Musina, South Africa.
Both the 21,1km and 10km races will start and finish at Eric Louw High School.
“We are looking forward to a very successful event this year. It’s unfortunate that the number of participants has been decreasing because of the new requirement for valid travel documents. In the case of South African athletes, the major stumbling block is that most of them have no passports,” he said.
“We hope that the crossing of the border will be smooth this year to enable athletes to start on time. This will have a positive effect on their experience on race day and ensure they return for future races.”
The marathon winner will pocket R7,000, the runner up R4,500 and the third placed finisher R3,000 as well as gold medals. All finishers will get bronze medals. Since its inception in 1996, the race has largely been dominated by Zimbabwean athletes with defending champion Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine winning the marathon consecutively since 2010.
Online Reporter