Umzumbe half-marathon hailed a success

The Mfundo Arnold Lushaba Half-Marathon is growing, judging by the number of participants in its recent races.
This sentiment was shared by Umzumbe Municipality’s mayor Bongani Nyuswa during the half-marathon last Sunday.

Nyuswa said 135 people participated in the event which included 21.1km, 10km, and 5km races.
It started and ended at Esibanini Sports Grounds in Mtwalume.

In the 21.1km women’s category, Malineo Mahloko completed the race in an hour and 24 minutes, winning herself R 10 000.

Nkululeko Mgubhela of Zakhele Athletic Club won the men’s 21.1km in an hour and seven minutes, and also bagged R10 000.

The mayor said they are happy with the outcome of the event.

“Some 135 people participated, it was a first for the marathon, which shows that it is growing. Both the winners in the men’s and women’s 21.1km received R10 000 each. We saw the prizes as fitting, considering that it is still the beginning of the year and people are financially stretched,” he said.

He added in the 21.1km category, the top five runners were awarded and in the 10km category, the top three received prizes.

Nyuswa said they will try to grow the event, so that eventually it’s in the league of bigger marathons.
Mgubhela encouraged aspiring runners to start now. He also thanked his coach and family for their support.

“I started running back home in Bizana while I was still in primary school. In 2008 while I was busy with school games, I saw that I had great potential and the school encouraged me to keep doing this. To those who want to make running their lifestyle, focus on it. There are so many opportunities in sports. You will meet people who can help you in more ways than one,” said Mgubhela.

The half-marathon is aimed at celebrating the life of Mfundo Arnold Lushaba who was the first ANC mayor of Umzumbe Municipality.

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