Kenya star for TZD Marathon

MBABANE – The upcoming Lubombo Marathon, organised by TZD Sports, is generating significant excitement as it promises international competition and the participation of notable athletes.

Athletics Eswatini (AE) President Zakhele Dlamini, has confirmed the involvement of Kenyan athletes in the marathon, highlighting the high level of competition expected at this endurance event.

Among the Kenyan participants is Albert Kipngetich Kangor, renowned for his remarkable victory at the Brescia Marathon in Italy in 2011, where he claimed pole position with an impressive time of 2:14:05.

President Dlamini expressed delight at the keen interest shown by Kenyan athletes in participating in the marathon, indicating a strong international presence that is expected to elevate the level of competition. “We were happy to see a few Kenyans register for the marathon to show their interest in taking part. We are expecting quite a number of international athletes for the marathon as we have seen interest as well as they had also graced last year’s edition,” President Dlamini remarked.

Champion

The anticipation for the event is further heightened by the return of defending champion, Sandile Khumalo, set to defend his title, adding to the overall excitement surrounding the marathon. “As the Lubombo Marathon winds down, where it has been billed for April 7, it is evident that international participation fosters growth and serves as a crucial platform for athletes to showcase their endurance abilities and prepare for upcoming marathons,” Dlamini further added.

Registration numbers for the marathon have already exceeded 200 participants, with a projected increase to over 300 by the end of the week, reflecting a growing interest and participation in the event. Additionally, participants have an added incentive with the significantly increased prize money, with the 42km race now offering a prize of E5 000, a substantial improvement from last year’s E2 500.

The half marathon, covering 21km, also offers a prize of E3 000 for both genders, while the 10km race carries a prize of E2 000 for the champion respectively. “We have increased the amount of the prize monies, last year it was E2 500 and now it is E5 000,” Dlamini revealed.