By McGeorge Mbare
ISRAEL Mudimba and Enny Chirisa won the 42km Two Countries Marathon, held from outside Musina, South Africa to Beitbridge, Zimbabwe, Saturday.
Chirisa won the women’s open 42km race, while Mudimba was victorious in the men’s category.
Both Chirisa and Mudimba will each receive R11,000 in prize money.
Chirisa completed the race in 3 hours, 26 minutes and 30 seconds.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network after the race, Chirisa was joyful and appreciated her family and others who supported her throughout her preparations.
“I’m very glad to have won the 42km race. It’s my first time winning this race. I have always come second and third on various occasions, but this time I made it,” Chirisa said.
She also said the race was her 10th marathon.
Mudimba, who shares the same Blanket Mine Athletics, club with Chirisa said he was delighted and proud to have won the race.
“I’m very happy to win this. It’s a dream come true. I have always wanted to win, and today I managed to do it,” Mudimba said.
Blanket Mine Athletics’ Mthokozisi Mhlanga won the men’s open 21km race, with Kenyan athlete Isaac Langat finishing second.
Mhlanga walked away with R8,000 in prize money, while Langat will receive R3,500 for finishing second.
Miriam Sibanda won the women’s 21km race, while Philip Dube finished second.
One of the athletes, Marko Siziba, congratulated his fellow competitors who finished on the podium.
“I’m happy for the guys who finished on the podium. Overall, as athletes, we love running for our health and for every significant purpose,” Siziba said.