Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya in MUSINA, South Africa
ZIMBABWEAN athletes took most of the top prizes but the South African contingent took the big prize in the men’s section in the Two Countries marathon on Saturday morning.
The 42km race, which attracted 90 long distance runners from both countries, was held between Musina and Beitbridge towns as part of their twinning arrangement.
The athletes covered 21kms in Zimbabwe, starting at Malala Business Centre along the Beitbridge-Bulawayo road and completed the other half between Beitbridge border post and Eric Louw High School in Musina.
Defending champion, Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine, finished second after he was beaten by about a minute by South Africa’s Samuel Manamela of Masai Athletics Club in Limpopo Province.
Manamela crossed the finishing line in 2 hours and 30 minutes while Sibanda arrived one minute later, clocking 2 hours 31 minutes.
“I took advantage of the terrain on the South African route, which I am familiar with, and outpaced the other men when they started slowing down a few kilometres before getting to the finishing point,” said Manamela.
“This is motivating and I will build on this win for more upcoming races.”
In third position was South Africa’s Timos Munjelele, who arrived after 2 hours and 36 minutes, with Zimbabwe’s seasoned runner Charles Soza crossing the finishing line in fourth position after clocking 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Zimbabwe’s Evidence Mudzamiri won the 42,2km women’s race after crossing the finishing line in 2 hours 41 minutes.
She was followed by South Africans — Jane and Thifhelimbilu Mudau — who arrived 15 minutes later.
The athletes walked away with medals and cash prizes of R10,000 for first prize and R8,000 and R6,000 for those who came out second and third.
The marathon was simultaneously held with a half-marathon and a 10km road race.
Zimbabwean athletes dominated the half marathon with Annie Chirisa, Roseline Isiah, Tatenda Chichangana, Tabitha Tsatsa finishing first, second and third in the women’s 21km.
In the men’s half marathon, South Africa’s Isak Langat crossed the line first in 1 hour 20 minutes.
He was followed by Patrick Coster (South Africa) and Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Hove of Black Rhinos. South African women dominated the women’s 10km race with Sedzani Maluta, romping to victory.
