SA, REPS runners win Half Marathon
MBABANE – After winning the Mbabane Half Marathon, City of Mbombela Athletics Club runner Sifiso Ngcobo has asserted that he knew he would win.
The 21km winner clocked 1:18:04 hours to not only become the champion but also took home the E4 000 which was at stake. He was closely followed by Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Mancoba Nhlabatsi who came shortly 15 seconds later.
The runner-up took home E2 000 with Swazi Slojos’ Phila Khumalo completing the top three bracket on 1:20:32 hours. The third placed winner took home E500 less than the runner-up.
“I knew somehow that I would win this one. I must say it was not easy though because Nhlabatsi gave me a hard time. He was good on the hills and I was enjoying the flats, that’s where I capitalised and opened few kilometers away from him,” said Ngcobo.
Meanwhile, Nhlabatsi said Ngcobo was his mentor. “I tried to catch up
MBABANE HALF MARATHON
21KM MEN
1. Sifiso Ngcobo
2. Mancoba Nhlabatsi
3. Phila Khumalo
4. Mduduzi Dlamini
5. Wandile Dludlu
6. Mfanukhona Mhlanga
7. Xoliswa Dlamini
8. Njabuliso Dlamini
9. Mfanufikile Nkambule
10. Mthobisi Ndwandwe LADIES
1. Thobile Ngwenyama 2.Gcinile Magongo 1:18:04 hrs 1:18:19 1:20:32 1:24:58 1:25:25 1:26:41 1:27:54 1:28:10 1:30:09 1:30:58
1:49:59hrs 1:58:00
with him on the flats but he was just too good for me. I thought somehow I could beat him but I ran out of steam in the last kilometers,” said Nhlabatsi.
Meanwhile, Khumalo said he was happy with his performance despite that he did not win the race.
The winner in the ladies category was REPS’ Thobile Ngwenyama who crossed the finish line in 1:49:59 hours. She said she enjoyed the race and she was well prepared for the race. “It took me six weeks to prepare for the race and I am happy with my achievement. The route was well marked and for me it felt like I was training,” said Ngwenyama.
More reports and results in next edition.