Date set for Zim-SA Two Countries Marathon

THE 13th edition of the Two Countries Marathon involving Zimbabwean and South African athletes will be held on September 23.

The race is run between the two border towns of Beitbridge and Musina and is organised by the two local authorities as part of celebrations of the twining agreement they signed in 1996.

Zimbabwean runners have continued to dominate the race, with defending champion Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine winning the 42.2km race for the seventh time in a row last year.

Race co-ordinator Raniel Ndou yesterday said the stage had been set and they were ready to roll.

He said the full marathon would start in Beitbridge and end in Musina at Eric Louw High School.

Ndou said they also have the 21.1km, 10km and 5km road races that will start and end at Eric Louw High School.

Entries for the main 42.2km race will close on September 10, while deadlines for other races will close at 5AM on race day.

“We opened up registration early so that we could have many people from both countries taking part in the race,” Ndou said.

Applications were being processed at the Beitbridge Town Council and Beitbridge Rural District Council offices in Zimbabwe, while South Africa-based athletes may register at Soutpansberg Athletics Club or Musina Municipality and only a valid travel document makes one eligible.

“Besides having valid passports, the participants will have to have to pay registration fees of R160 for the 42.2km race, R80 for the 21.1km, R50 for the 10km and R30 for the 5km race.

“We are looking forward to a very successful event this year. A lot of ground work has been covered in terms of the route markings and border logistics.

“In essence, we are building on the successes of previous events and are very hopeful that we will have a memorable event,” said Ndou.