09 Sep 2019

Rapula Diphoko’s speed and endurance came in handy on September 8, as he won this year’s Botswana Life Classic Run  21.1 kilometres stopping the clock in 1:07.24.

Diphoko, who faced a strong challenge from Sesebo Matlapeng and Kenya’s Issace Kigen, was composed throughout the race despite the fact that they were neck and neck with him. 

With just three kilometres remaining, it became clear that the game was between Diphoko and Matlapeng, but Diphoko’s speed gave him an upper hand as he sprinted to the finish line to claim the title.

Matlapeng finished second with 1:07.24, while position three went to Amantle Kekganetswe, who clocked 1:07:40.

The winner said in an interview that he enjoyed the race, adding that from the start, his target was to relax in the first 10 kilometres so as to reserve more energy to use it where it mattered the most.

“I am very happy with my performance, because the whole of this week, I did not train, I only did speed on Friday, but I managed to win this very competitive race,” he said. 

The 21.1-kilometre women’s category was clinched by Namibia’s Leena Ekandjo with a time of 1:20:14 followed by Kefilwe Galeitsiwe with 1:23:58, while position three went to Keneilwe Kwena with 1:25:48.

Ekandjo said she enjoyed the race, adding that the course was very favourable with less traffic. 

“Honestly, the local runners failed to give me competition. I was literally running alone, but let us hope next time they will push me as that would help me to improve my time,” she said.

In the 10-kilometre men’s category, Sylvester Koko was crowned the champion, after running 30:53, while second position went to Dikgakgamatso Modisagape with a time of 35:23, while Batungamili Zibani settled for position three with 36:08.

In the women’s category, Laone Moloi finished on first position with 41:50,  while position two went to Lopang Lemao with a time of 49:16 and Violet Oneile ran 53:22 to claim position three. ENDS