Lutendo Maphoto of the Pietersburg Athletics Club made history when he beat the seven-times winner of the Two Countries Marathon, Nkosiyazi Sibanda, on Saturday.

It was Maphoto’s third Two Countries Marathon. “The competition was tough, but I was well prepared. What I like about this competition is that, once you complete your race, you feel like you are on top of the world.” 

Sibanda ended in the second position and expressed his disappointment about not winning the race this year. He said that he lost the race because it was extremely hot. He praised the young Maphoto, who won the race for the first time.

The mayor of Musina Municipality, Mihloti Muhlope, said that the organisers had improved the race. She congratulated the winner, Maphoto, on his victory.

The winner in the female marathon was Joyce Netshifhefhe, followed by Mavis Mapetha and Mihlodi Mokgoshing.

The winners of the half-marathon were Margareth Mhohomo (female race) and Rabson Chigelo in the men’s race. Jane Mudau won the master female category and Yvonne Strijdom won the veteran female category.

The 10km race was won by Jacob Khomola and the grandmaster category by William Phuleng. Thomas Ngobeni won the masters category and Herbet Makgoto the category for veterans.