Zimbabwean runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda won the annual Two Countries marathon two weeks ago. The popular race starts in Zimbabwe and ends in Musina. This was the eighth time that Sibanda had claimed victory in this gruelling race.
Sibanda finished the marathon in 02:30:41 and by doing so reclaimed the title he lost to South African marathon runner Lutendo Mapoto last year. Sibanda's fellow countryman, Peter Tumbare, ended the race in second position in a time of 02:31:31. Lyno Muchena, another Zimbabwean, finished third in 02:32:31.
The half-marathon race provided lots of fireworks and in the category for men it was an almost epic battle between Hove Tatenda and Chigao Rabone. Hove finished in 01:05:46, only seconds before Rabone (01:06:04). Gendie Ganepele came third in 01:16.28.
In the 21,1km women's race, gold went to Olivia Chitati (01:24:58). Margaret Mabotwane ended in second position in a time of 01:26:02 and Mosiwa Mondalana finished third in 01:36:25.
Albert Ramakuwela Monaka Muhuphe won the Masters category.
The 10 km race for men was won by T Pilusa in a time of 0:31:15. Tlou Peu ended in second position, followed by Emmanuel Ramavhanda in third.
"I'm happy to win the Two Countries marathon again," Nkosiyazi Sibanda said. "It was a tough race for me, but everything went as planned." He appealed to other athletes who want to achieve their goals to put everything in God's hands. He thanked all his supporters.
"I think success comes from what you want in life. The most important thing is to be very disciplined and be very humble and listen to your parents and your coach. The competition was tough, but I was well prepared. What I like about this competition is that, once you complete your race, you feel like you are on top of the world," Sibanda said.
During the prize-giving ceremony, the mayor of Musina Municipality, Cllr Mihloti Muhlope, extended her congratulations to the participants. She added that they were working hard to ensure that next year's race would be even bigger.
The event, which is jointly organised by the Beit Bridge Rural District Council, Beit Bridge Municipality and Musina Municipality, celebrated its 14th anniversary this year.