Preps underway for marathon

Thupeyo Muleya in BEITBRIDGE
PREPARATIONS for the 11th edition of the Two Countries Marathon involving Zimbabwe and South Africa, which will be held at Musina in the Limpopo Province, have gathered momentum.

Zimbabwe’s race coordinator, Charles Sayers, said the race will be held in September though they started preparations early this year with the view of increasing the number of participants from this country.

“In previous races we had very few Zimbabweans because people were not able to register on time since the word was sent out late,” said Sayers.

“Registration will start at the Beitbridge Rural and Town Council from Monday next week. Those in South Africa can register at Musina Municipality.

“We are also working towards setting up a link for online applications.”

He said the race was open to athletes from both Zimbabwe and South Africa with valid travel documents.

Sayers said the annual event will include a 42,2km and 21,1km road race and a 10 km walking race.

The 42,2km race will start at Nottingham turn-off 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 is unfortunate that the number of participants has been decreasing, especially with the new requirement for valid travel documents.

“We hope that the crossing of the border this year will go smoothly, so that the athletes will be able to start on time.

“This will have a positive effect on the experience of the athletes on race day and help to get them returning for the race in future years,” said Sayers.

He said the winners for the main race will pocket R7000, R4500 and R3000 along with gold medals while all finishers will get bronze medals adding that they were also working on increasing the prize money.

The two countries marathon is being organised by South Africa’s Musina Municipality and both local authorities from Beitbridge as part of celebrating the twining agreement which was signed in 1996.

Since its inception the race has been dominated by Zimbabwean athletes, especially in the 42,2km, and the half marathon.