12 Jun 2017

Known as one of the toughest races in the country because of its steep trail, the 19th edition of the PPC Kgale Hill Challenge saw last year’s winners retaining the king and queen titles in their respective categories.

Sesebo Matlapeng and Onneile Dintwe retained their king and queen status of the race for the second year in a row and each pocketed P7 500 in prize money after proving their mettle against their counterparts.

Matlapeng completed the race in a time of 00:48:28 while Dintwe came in at 00:55:39.

Last year, Matlapeng completed the race in 00:47:00 and Dintwe came in at 00:55:08.

An excited Matlapeng stated that an injury sustained at the beginning of the year slowed him down.

“I was one minute slower this year because of the injury I sustained earlier this year.

However I was able to push through and win the race for the second time,” the athlete said.

He vowed to return next year and defend his title for the third time.

For her part, Dintwe said she was proud to have retained her title and had trained hard for the PPC Kgale Hill Challenge.

“I have been training hard all year and also participating in other half marathons. My plan is to run more races this year both locally and outside the country to improve my times,” she said.

In the male category, Dikgakgamatso Modisagape came second and Okarabile Matlhake third.

The woman’s category was rounded up by Gaone Bathoen in second place and Mantshapelo Badumetse in third.

Gaborone Runners Club chairperson, Zambia Champi hailed the race as a  ‘great success.’

“This year we had almost 800 registered runners, which is a significant improvement from last year. We are proud of this race because it has a developed some amazing runners like Matlapeng and Dintwe. Our aim is to continue to attract some of the best upcoming athletes,” Champi stated.

A press release from PPC says part of this year’s proceeds would go to a sports initiative to assist in their development.

“This year, half of the proceeds will be donated to Pula Sports Development Association in the form of cement to assist in the growth of sports in our country,” said PPC general manager, Tuelo Botlhole.

Botlhole further said that PPC Botswana would continue contributing to building quality of life through sport.

He noted that both men and women showed that they prepared for the race with vigour and enthusiasm. ENDS