Top athletes ready for Two Countries

The tension is mounting for the Two Countries Marathon that will take place on Saturday, and several athletes from different countries will be vying for the top prizes. Last year's champion, Nkosiyazi Sibanda, reckons he has what it takes to claim his sixth victory in this prestigious race.

The Zimbabwean runner finished the tough route in 2:25:57 last year, claiming his fifth victory. The 34-year-old athlete seems to be in good nick, and earlier this year he successfully defended his title at the Vic Falls Econet marathon for the fourth consecutive year. He indicated that he has his eyes set on victory and wants another gold medal.

His competition will in all likelihood come from athletes such as Michael Ngaseke of Mr Price Athletics Club. “I started to prepare for the Two Countries Marathon a long time ago and I am sure I will do my best this year. I made a few mistakes in the last marathons, but I look forward to rectifying them and crossing the finish line in top form in my next race,” said Ngaseke.

Kelvin Pangiso of Mr Price Athletics Club, also from Zimbabwe, says he aims to break the Two Countries Marathon record. “With the hard work I put into my training sessions, anything is possible. It wasn’t difficult for me to win the medals in the previous marathons," he said

In the other categories, many tough battles are expected. Local athlete and veteran runner Jane Mudau says that she trained hard to win her category and also to set a new course record. Jane won the master's section last year and ended second overall in the ladies race.

Olivia Chitachi says she is in perfect condition and ready to become the new ladies champion. According to her, she cannot let her fans and her country down.

The 42,2 km race will start in Zimbabwe and end at Eric Louw High School in Musina. This is the 18th year that the race is being held and it is again organised by the Soutpansberg Athletics Club, in co-operation with Musina Municipality. The main event is the marathon (42,2km), but there will also be a 21,1km half-marathon and 9km run, with a total prize money of R73 2000. The 9-km run is hosted by Eric Louw.

The marathon will start at 06:00 and compulsory free transport will be provided from Eric Louw to the starting line. The 21,1-km race will start (07:00) and finish at Eric Louw, as well as the 9-km race (starting at 07:30). Athletes must pre-enter for this race and must be in possession of a valid passport on the day of the race.

According to the mayor of Musina, Cllr Mihloti Ramoyada, the main purpose of the marathon is to promote long-distance running in the area. She appealed to the runners to be punctual at the registration point.

Date:25 September 2015

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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