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Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge
ZIMBABWEAN athletes continued to dominate the Two Countries marathon involving South Africa and Zimbabwe in Musina on Saturday morning.Defending champion Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine flew the nation’s flag high when he won the 42,2km race for the fifth time in a row.

The marathon, which was simultaneously held with a half-marathon and a 10km road race, started at Nottingham turn-off, 10km outside Beitbridge town along the Bulawayo road, and ended at Eric Louw High School in Musina, South Africa.

Both the half-marathon and 10km races started and finished at Eric Louw High School.

The two countries marathon is being organised by South Africa’s Musina municipality and both local authorities from Beitbridge as part of celebrating the twining agreement which was signed in 1996.

Sibanda made his intention of winning the race clear when he took off at a fast pace and romped home first in 2 hrs 24 mins and 40s.
His compatriot Lyno Muchena crossed the line three minutes later with South Africa’s Lucas Nonyana in third place in 2hrs 29 mins and 33s.

Lear’s second runner-up Kudakwashe Kanduna pulled out of the race after running for 30kms citing fatigue.

Kanduna had participated in the Nelson Mandela marathon in South Africa two weeks ago.

The lanky Sibanda attributed his victory to determination and an extensive training schedule.

“As the defending champion I had a lot of pressure to retain the title and I am happy that I won it again. It was easy for me to beat the other athletes to the money because I am now used to the route and I hope to continue winning the race in the years to come,” he said.

Sibanda pocketed R7 000 while Muchena and Nonyana pocketed R4 500 and R3 500.

Tawapo Bhiri won the women’s race, crossing the line in 3 hrs 11 mins 10s, followed by South Africa’s Gladys Lukwareni, who arrived home in 3 hrs 30 mins 30s.

South Africa’s Jane Mdau was the winner in the women’s Masters’ category.

They received cash prizes of R7 000 and R4 500 respectively.

A total of 45 athletes took part in the main event.

The half-marathon was also dominated by Zimbabweans with the trio of Gilbert Mutandiro, Rabson Chigara and Givemore Mudzinganyama making the top three in that order.

Veteran runner Samukheliso Moyo was the overall winner in the women’s half-marathon followed by Muchaneta Gwata and Gloria Baeba (South Africa).

Wellington Varevi also came home first in the 10km race while Rabia Filima won the women’s event.

Beitbridge’s Eland Restaurant was also judged the best water point in the main race.

Zimbabwean race co-ordinator Beatrice Ponella commended the Zimbabwean athletes.

“This was a successful race and I want to congratulate the winners for raising the country’s flag high and I hope they will continue winning,” she said.

South Africa’s marathon co-ordinator Nel Ferreira described the race as a huge success. “This is a big achievement; we managed to start the race in time and had no challenges with border authorities from both countries.