The annual Two Countries Marathon from Zimbabwe to Musina was won by Zimbabwean Nkosiyazi Sibanda once again.
It was his fifth victory in this prestigious race and he finished the race in 2:25:57. Last year, he won the race in 2:27:00.
Lionel Muchena of Nedbank Athletics Club finished in second position in 2:28:12 and Lucas Nonyana third in 2:29:59.
Another Zimbabwean, Tawapo Bhiri, won the ladies' race in 3:12:42. Last year, the winner of the ladies' race won in 3:09:32. The second position went to veteran Jane Mudau (3:23:46), who also won the masters' race, and Azwindini Lukhwareni finished in third place, in 3:30:36.
The winner in the men's half-marathon was Gilbert Mutandiro from Zimbabwe, who finished the race in 1:05:36. Rapson Chigara of Nedbank finished second (1:06:51) and Givemore Mudzinganyama third in 1:11:17. Samukeliso Moyo of Mr Price Athletics Club won the half-marathon for ladies in 1:23:16, with Muchaneta Gwata second in 1:29:43.
Thomas Ngobeni of Arangwa Athletic Club won the half-marathon for masters in 1:21:14 and Elias Gizane was the first grand master home in 2:58:34
The winners of the marathon (men and women) went home with R3 000 each. The top four athletes of the whole event shared prize money of R73 000. The race was sponsored by the Musina Municipality.
All the athletes runners who finished the race went home with medals and T-shirts. The mayor of Musina, Cllr Mihloti Ramoada, congratulated all the participants and added that they were working hard to ensure that next year's race would "be bigger and better".