Princess Sibanda
BEITBRIDGE — Israel Mudimba led a strong field of athletes at the second edition of the Two Countries Marathon, winning the men’s senior 42.2km race in 2 hours, 20 minutes and 53 seconds as runners from Zimbabwe and South Africa battled for honours in the cross-border competition.
Mudimba was followed by Lutendo Mopoto in 2:23:32, while Pfaralo Mathada finished third in 2:26:44.
In the men’s 40-49 category, Nkosiyazi Sibanda took first place in 2:28:20, followed by Mike Fokoroni in 2:33:13 and Frans Thabana Phetla in 2:46:29.
The men’s 50-59 category was won by Sibangani Dube in 2:36:52, with Andy Ramavhanda finishing second in 3:42:15 and Mathani Simon Mudau third in 4:01:19.
In the 60-69 category, Mkhacani Phineas Miyambo led the field in 3:44:07, followed by Bodikwa Solomon Masedi and Sitause Bigboy.
Among the women, Annie Chirisa won the 40-49 42.2km category in 3:13:25, ahead of Monica Kativhu in 3:28:11 and Thithimblimu Mudau in 3:42:19.
The 21.1km half marathon produced another close contest in the men’s senior category, with Mthokozisi Mhlanga winning in 1:04:27, just 12 seconds ahead of Isaac Kipkoech Langat, who clocked 1:04:39. Thabo Mighty Mapfumo finished third in 1:05:00.
Miriam Sibanda topped the women’s senior half marathon in 1:27:40, followed by Phillipa Dube in 1:37:09 and Nsovo Kubayi in 1:55:04.
In the women’s 40-49 category, Tshimangadzo Ndou won in 1:45:58, with Vhahangelewe Nengwenani and Tendai Tarwirei finishing second and third, respectively.
The 10km race also produced impressive performances, with Tebogo Pulusa winning the men’s senior category in 31:04. Ndivho Simiso finished second in 31:51, while Brave Moyo was third in 33:06.
In the women’s senior 10km, Tshianzi Liphadzi finished first in 51:47, followed by Tendai Mabhaudhi in 1:10:02 and Atuwani Rabuma in 1:10:39.
The men’s junior 10km title went to Michael Sibanda in 33:35, with Desmond Mashingaidze second in 33:44 and Trevor Hokonya third in 37:47.
The women’s 40-49 10km category was won by Mercy Ratshivhadelo in 1:07:32, followed by Charity Sibindi and Shingirai Mudzamiri.
Sibongile Sitauze won the women’s 50-59 category in 1:09:39.
In the 5km race, Samuel Sibanda claimed the men’s title in 47:08, followed by Forward Sebata, while Gracious Moyo won the women’s race in 55:22 ahead of Belinda Mapemba.
Held under the theme, “One Race, Two Nations, One Finish Line,” the marathon brought together athletes and communities from Zimbabwe and South Africa, combining competition with a message of friendship and unity.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Ngulube, said the event demonstrated the strong relationship between the two countries.
Beitbridge Mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta described the race as a celebration of friendship, unity and regional integration.
Veronica Mokgonyana, the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture head of department, said the event had the potential to grow into a major regional sporting event, emphasising that the Limpopo River should connect communities rather than separate them.
For the athletes, the race also provided an opportunity to test themselves against competitors from across the border.
Mudimba said the experience had left him motivated to take on bigger challenges, including the Comrades Marathon.
The next edition will reverse the route, with runners starting in Zimbabwe and finishing in South Africa, adding another chapter to what organisers hope will become a lasting annual sporting tradition between the two countries.
