04 Apr 2016

Zimbabwe’s long distance runner, Gilbert Mutandiro has successfully defended his Diacore Gaborone Marathon 42.2km title he won last year.

Mutandiro, who is fresh from a physically taxing cross country marathon in Spain, explained in an interview on the sidelines of Sunday’s race that his mental strength helped him to defend the title.

The 31-year-old Zimbabwean runner registered an impressive 2:19:09 seconds to beat Namibia’s Paulos Ndanji, who came in eight seconds shy off the champion. Kenyan Albert Kanion started the race in a promising note until he succumbed to the speedy Mutandiro and Ndanji in the first five kilometres.

Mutandiro received P12 000 in prize money for his efforts. Namibian runner, Alina Armas impressed in her maiden appearance at the race and was crowned the winner in the ladies category, reaching the finish line ahead of her country mates, Haitopi Ndatyodli and Ndeshima Ekandjo. Armas arrived in 2:40:05.

Although the locals continue to struggle in long distance races, Botswana consolidated its dominance in the 21km race when local long distance star, Onneile Dintwe was crowned the winner.

Dintwe started her race calendar on a high note after a long layoff owing to an injury. She has also returned from South Africa where she took part in the Two Oceans Marathon where she came second.

Dintwe’s closest rival, Mema Tiango came third while Sethunya Kaizer clocked 1:41:00 for the third spot. In the 10km race, it was a South African affair with Joel Mmone, Phillimon Mathiba and Thabang Masiako lining up for the medal positions.

In the ladies category, Namibian Salmi Doviteko came ahead of the local pair of Maipelo Moilwa and Obusitswe Moeng. ENDS