Two Countries Marathon called off

From Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge

WHAT was supposed to be the fifth edition of the Two Countries Marathon, featuring athletes from Zimbabwe and South Africa, has been called off after the organisers failed to get a sponsor for the event.

The event, which is a culmination of a 1996 twinning agreement between Beitbridge and Musina Municipality of South Africa, has traditionally been held in September every year.
Over 300 athletes from both countries used to take part in this event annually.
Zimbabwean athletes have dominated the event in both men and the women’s sections.
The race was probably the only one in the world in which athletes crossed frontiers.
Athletes would register for the race and clear immigration formalities before the race.
Limpopo’s athletes’ promoter Southpasernburg had been sponsoring the event for the past season, but could not commit their sponsorship this year.
A source within the organising committee in South Africa said they were still negotiating with other potential sponsors to hold the event next year.
“We failed to get enough money for co-ordinating the event this year and we are looking forward to holding a successful event next year,” he said.
Both municipalities and Limpopo’s Phalaphala FM have also been instrumental in organising the race.
Beitbridge Town Council acting director of housing and social services Mbongeleni Muleya confirmed the sad development.
“We have failed to get enough sponsorship and therefore we cannot hold the race this year,” said Muleya.
Under normal circumstances the marathon involves a 42-km race which starts at Nottingham Turn Off, 10-km out ofBeitbridge Town, and finishes at either at Freedom Park Stadium or Eric Louw High School on the South African side. There is also a 21km and 10km race.
Last year’s winners won floating trophies and cash prizes ranging between R1 500 and R3 600.

published by The Herald 11 September 2010