Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
Zimbabwean athletes continued to dominate the Two Countries Marathon involving South Africa and Zimbabwe, held over the weekend in Musina and Beitbridge.
The 42km race, which was held on a changed route this time, started in Musina, South Africa, and ended at Dulivhadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge.
It attracted scores of long-distance runners from both countries and was held as part of the twinning arrangement between the two towns.
The marathon resumed last year after a long hiatus induced by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Defending champion Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine, who finished third this time, was slower after being beaten by teammate Israel Mudimba and South Africa’s Lutendo Mupotho, who crossed the finishing line in two hours 20 minutes and two hours 25 minutes, respectively.
For their efforts, the top five in the men’s 42km walked away with R11 000, R5 500, R4 500, R3 500 and R2 500 in prize money, medals and caps.
They are Israel Mudimba (Zimbabwe), Lutendo Mupotho (South Africa), Nkosiyazi Sibanda (Zimbabwe), Pfarelo Mathada (South Africa) and Fhatuwani Mushiyane (South Africa).
Zimbabwean runner Annie Chirisa flew the nation’s flag high when she won the 42.2km race, crossing the finishing line in three hours, followed by fellow national Monica Kativu and previous winner Evidence Mudzamire 10 minutes later, with South Africans Thifhelimbilu and Jane Mudau arriving in fourth and fifth positions respectively.
The marathon was held simultaneously with a half-marathon and a 10km road race. Zimbabwean runners also dominated the half-marathon, with Mthokozisi Sibanda (Zimbabwe) coming out victorious, followed by Isaac Langate (Kenya), Thabo Might (Zimbabwe), Ritshidze Makafe (South Africa) and Zanele Mutsipa (South Africa) in the men’s category.
The same script was repeated in the women’s 21km race, with Miracle Sibanda (Zimbabwe), Philipa Hard Dube (Zimbabwe), Mthokozisi Mhlanga (Zimbabwe), Nsvovo Kubaya (Zimbabwe) and Lanka Mashaba (South Africa) making it to the top five.
In a post-race interview, the 42km race Mudimba, said he had to dig deep as the terrain was tough.
“The terrain was tough this time, so I had to rely on endurance. However, the fellow athletes who made it to the top five were good competition,” he said.
Fellow teammate Sibanda said he lost the title due to the change to a hilly terrain on the South African route.
Beitbridge Mayor Clr Peter Pirato Mafuta and his counterpart from Musina said they were happy to bring the communities of Beitbridge and Musina together, appreciating the presence of high-level dignitaries from Zimbabwe and South Africa, among them Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe and Limpopo’s Head of Delegation in the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Ms Veronica Mokgonyana.
