27 Jul 2015

Zimbabwean athletes dominated the 42.2 km race during the Selebi Phikwe National Marathon on Saturday (July 25).

The athletes took first place in both the male and female categories and walked away with P20 000 each.

The runner-ups in each category took home P10 000 while the bronze medalists won P7 500 each.

Nkosiyazi Sibanda from Zimbabwe won the male category 42.2 km race in 2:23:28 followed by Ndabili Bashingili in 2:23:32 while Rapula Diphoro came third by clocking 2:29:36.

The women’s category was won by defending champion, Tsatsa Thabitha in 2:55:23 followed by Mantshapelo Baduletse in 2:56:14 while LememaTiango came third by clocking 3:06:09.

In other races such as the 15km race, Godiraone Nthomphe came first in the male category by clocking 0:46:30 followed by Sesebo Matlapeng in 0:46:31 while Mphoyamodimo Kekganetswe came third by clocking 0:46:36.

The female 15km race was won by Chookula Akuje in 0:59.14, Dina Kgare came second in 1:03:22 while Mishing Ramashaba came third by clocking1:05:35.

Winners in both categories took home P10 000, the runner-ups won P7 500 while bronze medalists won P5 000.

The male 10 km race, which was dominated by junior athletes, was won by Matlho Bakang in 0:35:13, Ontshegeditse Ramankhi came second by clocking 0:35:44 while Kagiso Kebatshwaretse took the third spot in 0:3556.

In the female 10km category, Botho Marope came first by clocking 0:42:32 followed by Gofaone Kenaope in 0:43:44 while Seane Politeness came third by clocking 0:44:44.

The winners in the 10km race in both categories took home P3 000, P2 000 and P1 000 respectively. Also at the marathon, there was a four km fun race where both old and young took part in.

Giving a vote of thanks, Mannane Mannane from SPEDU congratulated all participants for taking part in the race as well as the organisers of the event.

He also noted that such events were held to market the mining town and also help diversify the economy of the region.

The event was also graced by Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi who officiated at the start of the 42.2km race before proceeding to Mmadinare to participate in a sponsored walk.
American Ambassador Earl Miller also took part in the event as the guest of honour.

He also gave out medals to winners in the various categories. Ends