Two Countries Marathon in Maphoto’s pocket
Lutendo Maphoto of Pietersburg Athletic Club made history on Saturday when he beat Nkosiyazi Sibanda who has won the 42km Two Countries Marathon that starts in the Dulubadzimu town of Zimbabwe and ends in the South African border town of Musina for the past seven years.
POLOKWANE – Maphoto commented after winning.
“I ran for the third time this year. The competition was tough, but I was well prepared. I was excited, and the starting point was a very emotional moment for me as it felt like a once in a lifetime event.” He said he trained hard to beat his opponent.
“I’m over the moon because my dream finally came true. I told myself that I am not coming back here next year if I don’t win this race, but when I got to the finish line, I saw my team members cheering and singing. Those were the happiest moments,” said Maphoto.
Sibanda ended in second position. He said he was disappointed that he didn’t win this time around, adding that he lost because it was extremely hot.
He praised the young Maphoto who won the race for the first time.
The Mayor of Musina, Mihloti Muhlope, said they had improved the race for safety reasons.
In previous years, the athletes that participated in the marathon used to pass through the border gate without having to produce their passports. This year, a new system was introduced where all athletes participating in the marathon had to produce their passports at the border gate.
She praised the winner, Maphoto, who beat Sibanda to win the 20th edition of the marathon.
The winners of the 21,1 km race in the female category was Margareth Mhohomo.
The winner in the male category was Rabson Chigelo.
