Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya in Musina, South Africa
ZIMBABWEAN athletes kept their dominance alive in the Two Countries Marathon, once again outpacing South African rivals in Musina on Saturday morning.
The 42,2km race drew 90 long-distance runners from both nations and was staged between Beitbridge and Musina as part of the towns’ twinning arrangement. It marked a welcome return for the event after a Covid-19 break.
Runners covered the first 21,1km in Zimbabwe, starting at Malala Business Centre on the Beitbridge–Bulawayo Road, before crossing into South Africa and finishing at Eric Louw High School in Musina.
This time, the men’s crown went to South Africa. Samuel Manamela of Masai Athletics Club won in 2 hours 30 minutes, edging out defending champion Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine, who clocked 2 hours 31 minutes. South Africa’s Timos Munjelele was third in 2 hours 36 minutes, while Zimbabwe’s Charles Soza came fourth in 2 hours 40 minutes.
Zimbabwe struck back in the women’s race, with Evidence Mudzamiri powering to victory in 2 hours 41 minutes. She opened an early 100-metre gap and held it all the way. South Africans Jane and Thifhelimbilu Mudau followed 15 minutes later.
Winners pocketed R10 000, with R8 000 and R6 000 going to the second and third-placed athletes. The marathon was run alongside a half-marathon and a 10km road race, all finishing at Eric Louw High.
Zimbabwe’s Annie Chirisa, Roseline Isiah, Tatenda Chichangana and Tabitha Tsatsa swept the women’s 21,1km podium, while South Africa’s Isak Langat led the men in 1 hour 20 minutes. His compatriot Patrick Coster followed five minutes later, with Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Hove of Black Rhinos and Hosen Moyo next.
Andrew Ndlovu of Zimbabwe won the men’s 10km race ahead of South Africans Isaac Moshia and Bonwis Jeckie. South Africa’s Sedzani Maluta took the women’s 10km, Zimbabwe’s Nkosi Nkala was second, and Grace Zhou finished fourth.
After the race, Manamela said, “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. This is motivating and I will build on this win for more upcoming races.”
Sibanda admitted the hilly South African route cost him the title.
Local veterans also made their mark. Beitbridge’s Stella Dokotera featured strongly in the women’s 10km, while seasoned runner Bigboy Tshitaudze placed in the men’s 21,1km top 10.
Beitbridge town clerk Loud Ramakgapola praised the event for strengthening ties between the two border communities. High level dignitaries from both countries, including Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, Limpopo MEC for Sport, Arts and Cul-ture Finani Jerry Maseko, and the mayors of Beitbridge and Musina, Peter Mafuta and Godfrey Mawe-la, attended the ceremony.
