Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
ZIMBABWEAN athletes continued to dominate the Two Countries Marathon, which features local and South Africa athletes.
The latest was held over the weekend in Musina and Beitbridge.
The 42km race, which was held along a changed route this time, started in Musina 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 finished third this time around.
He was beaten by team-mate Israel Mudimba and South Africa’s Lutendo Mupotho.
The first two crossed the finishing line in two hours 20 minutes and two hours 25 minutes.
“The terrain was tough this time, so I had to rely on endurance,” said Mudimba.
The top five in the men’s 42km race walked away with R11,000, R5,500, R4,500, R3,500 and R2,500 in prize money, medals and caps.
They are Mudimba (Zimbabwe), Mupotho (South Africa), Nkosiyazi Sibanda (Zimbabwe), Pfarelo Mathada (South Africa) and Fhatuwani Mushiyane (South Africa).
Zimbabwean athlete, Annie Chirisa, won the 42.2km race, crossing the finishing line in three hours.
She was followed by fellow Zimbabweans Monica Kativu and former winner Evidence Mudzamire.
South Africans — Thifhelimbilu and Jane Mudau — finished fourth and fifth.
The marathon was held simultaneously with a half-marathon and a 10km road race.
Zimbabwean athletes also dominated the half-marathon. Mthokozisi Sibanda came out first and was followed by Isaac Langate (Kenya), Thabo Might (Zimbabwe), Ritshidze Makafe (South Africa) and Zanele Mutsipa (South Africa).
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 the top five.
Beitbridge Mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta said he was happy to bring the communities of Beitbridge and Musina together. He appreciated 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, Veronica Mokgonyana.
