Chronicle EditorThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
LONG distance athlete, Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine, is tipped to write a piece of history for himself by winning the 20th edition of the Two Countries marathon involving Zimbabwe and South Africa for the eighth time in a row. Sibanda and his Zimbabwean counterparts have dominated the race which is held annually between Beitbridge (Zimbabwe) and Musina (South Africa).
About 65 athletes, among them eight women runners, have registered for the 42,2km race which will be held on September 23.
The 42,2km race will start at Nottingham turn-off, some 10km along the Beitbridge/Bulawayo road and end at Eric Louw High school in Musina.
There will also be a 21,1km, 10km and 5km road races which will all start and end at Eric Louw High School.
Last year Sibanda raised the flag high after romping to victory in 2 hours 27 minutes, two minutes slower than his 2015 record.
South Africa’s race coordinator, Nell Ferreira, said yesterday the stage had now been set for the race.
“Entries for the 42,2km race closed on 10 September while those for other races will be closed at 5am on 23 September,” he said.
“We opened up registration to allow us to work on logistical issues ahead of time.
”We are looking forward to a successful event and we hope that the weather conditions will be conducive for the athletes,” said Ferreira.
Online Reporter