28 Jan 2013

Godiraone Nthompe is the national cross country champion. He defeated the bare footed Kaelo Mosalagae.

The national cross country race, held in Mochudi on January 26, saw 147 athletes converging in the Kgatleng capital.

The senior men 12km race was a marvel to watch as it included the best in the likes of Rapula Diphoko, Boitumelo Selagaboy, Kaelo Mosalagae and Godiraone Nthompe.

From the onset, Mosalagae was leading the pack, but things took a twist in the last lap when Nthompe increased pace thereby beating Mosalagae.

Just when about two laps were left, it was Nthompe and Mosalagae who separated themselves from others. BDF athletics club camp could be heard jubilantly cheering their star as he outpaced Mosalage to claim the championship. 

Nthompe ran 40:58:20 and pocketed P1 000 while Mosalagae ran 41:03:50 to win P700 and third position went to Rapula Diphoko who came trailing behind at 41:37:50 and walked home with P500.

In an interview,Nthompe said he was happy that his preparations and endurance had paid good results.

Another race that put the crowd on their toes was the senior women 8km race which saw the new entrant, Maria Maano beat beat the tried and tested Onkemetse Selotate.

The 20-year-old said she did not have enough time to prepare for the race but through God's grace, she won. She said at first she was afraid because she was competing with veterans such as Selotate and Kefilwe Galeitsiwe who always gave her tough competition.

Maano of BDF Athletics Club, ran 33:41:20 and won P1 000, followed by Galeitsiwe of Matshekge Senior Secondary School at 34.08.65 while Selotate of Gaborone Runners Club came third with 34:19:65.

In junior women six kilometre race, Mosa Badubi from Bobonong got position one clocking 25:33 while the White sisters from Makome junior school, Kenewang and Khumo got position two and three at 25.42 and 26:45 respectively.

The junior men category in the 8km race saw Lebogang Medupe of Selibe Phikwe Athletics Club win the race by 29:04 followed by Ketshepile Panyapanya of Motaung junior school at 30:09 and Amantle Kekganetswe of Selebi Phikwe Athletics Club who got third position at 30:21. ENDS