The winner of last year’s Two Countries Marathon from Zimbabwe to South Africa, Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Zimbabwe, will be attempting to win the 16th race again tomorrow (Saturday).

Sibanda said that he trained hard to win and also to set a new course record. Well-known local favourite Bethuel Netshifhefhe (Nedbank Athletics Club) says he is in perfect condition and ready to become the new champion. According to him, he cannot let his fans and his country down. Netshifhefhe ended in third position last year and finished six minutes behind the champion.

Michael Ngaseke of Mr Price Athletics Club, who finished the race in second position last year, however, says that he is going to win the race.

The veteran female runner, Jane Mudau, says that she trained very hard, but another favourite, Joyce Makwarela, states that she has set her eyes on the first prize and gold medal in the ladies’ race.

Last year, Olivia Chatachi of the Nedbank Club won the half-marathon for females.

According to the organiser from Musina Municipality, Mr Mathews Sithole, the main purpose of the marathon is to promote long-distance running in the area. Sithole appealed to the runners to be punctual at the registration point and said that several prizes were at stake.

The race is organised by the Soutpansberg Athletics Club and cash prizes of about R73 000 will be awarded. The winner of the marathon will win R7 000 in the open races for men and women and the winners of the half-marathons will receive R3 000 each. The winners of the 10km races will receive R1 000 each.

The mayor of the Musina Municipality, Cllr Carol Phiri, will present the prizes after the race.