RES injects E89 650 into Lubombo Marathon
SIMUNYE- The third edition of the Lubombo Marathon has received a lifeline.
Royal Eswatini Sugar (RES) Corporation has injected E89 650 into the much-anticipated race hosted by TZD Athletics Club. The race is scheduled for Sunday at Siteki Sports Ground starting at 6am. RES Corporation Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager Phindile Dlamini announced the package yesterday at their offices.
“Sports keep one healthy and hence our employees are able to work effectively. With our support, we encourage TZD to continue hosting such events. We encourage other businesses to support this initiative as well,” she said.
It is worth noting that E65 000 has been allocated towards prize money while the E19 650 will go to the registration of 131 participants from the company.
Exceeded
Registration numbers for the marathon have already exceeded 300 participants, with room for more. Initially, only 300 goody bags were announced to be received by athletes, but the number has increased to 500. The closing date is the end of business on Saturday at Eswatini Sports and Recreation
Council (ESRC) offices in Mbabane, Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) offices in Lobamba, Siteki Hotel in Siteki and Fitness Zone in Manzini. Goody bags can be collected at the same venues from 9am to 6pm.
Athletics Eswatini (AE) Chief Operations Officer (COO) Thoba
Mazibuko commended TZD Club for hosting the annual event.
“They are one of the model members in terms of promoting athletics in the country. We feel proud that they have brought RES on board and hope their relationship will continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, TZD Club Director and AE President Zakhele Dlamini commended the registration figures currently and appreciated the sponsorship.
“The race took a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic having started in 2019. The figures are remarkable and we hope they will grow. We also have hope that one day this race will be recognised by World Athletics,” Dlamini said.
Revealed
This publication earlier revealed that Kenyan athletes are set to compete in the third edition of this race. 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. 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.
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.