Zimpapers Logo

Thupeyo Muleya in BEITBRIDGE
THE 14th edition of the Two Countries Marathon featuring Zimbabwean and South African athletes will be held between Beitbridge and Musina towns on Saturday.

The event’s organisers say preparations are on course.

Zimbabwean athletes have been dominating the race with long distance runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine winning the 42,2km race seven times in a row between 2009 and 2016. The two countries marathon is being organised by South Africa’s Musina Municipality and local authorities in Beitbridge as part of celebrating the twining agreement which was signed in 1996.

Musina Municipality race co-ordinator, Matthews Sithole, said yesterday 91 athletes from the two countries have registered for 42.2 km race.

He said registration of athletes for the 21,1km, 10km and 5km road races was in progress at the two municipalities.

Zimbabwe’s race co-ordinator, Raniel Ndou, said the 42,2km race will start at Nottingham turnoff, 10km outside Beitbridge, along the road leading to Bulawayo.

The race will end at Eric Louw High School in Musina, South Africa.

“Among those who have registered for the main race from Zimbabwe is Nkosiyazi Sibanda whom we expect to raise the country’s flag again this time.

“Besides entry fees, the athletes should be holders of valid passports.

“There will be a lot of monetary prizes and medals for the winners and all those who will manage to finish the race will receive medals.

“The winners in the 42,2km race will pocket cash prize of R7 000 and gold medals.

‘’The second and third-placed runners in the 42,2km race will pocket R4 000 and R3 000,’’ said Ndou.