Through the hills, beyond the rivers, The two countries marathon between Zimbabwe and South Africa

Smart watches were set, the sound of running shoes took over the streets lessening the heavy breathing of athletes participating in the much anticipated two countries marathon between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Elite and social runners gathered with one purpose, to participate and finish the race that has been in recess for six years.

This unique marathon took place on the 20th of September and offered 42 km, 21km, 10km and 5km distance running, giving athletes options to choose from, depending on their level of fitness.

With about 300 athletes participating, 100 of those were from Zimbabwe and the other South Africans, displaying each their countries flag with their sports regalia painting the streets with two African countries flag colours , promoting unity and people relations through sports.

Those who participated in the 42km were transported by buses to the Matebeleland Province in Zimbabwe where the race started, while the rest of the runners started at Eric Louw High School in Musina.

Athletes braved the hills and hot weather running through the Beitbridge boarder post across the Limpopo River which is one of the busiest posts in South Africa, runners got to experience the Limpopo landscape towards Musina Town enjoying the Baobab tree views, carried by the scenery, when the legs were no longer strong to carry the athlete through, the mind was strong to recharge and give the legs motivation to keep one foot in front of another to keep going towards the finish point.

Mr Samuel Manamela from South Africa won the Two Countries Marathon at a finish time of 02hrs and 30minutes while Evidence Mudzamiri from Zimbabwe walked away with a first position in a finish time of 3 hours, 44 minutes and 36 seconds with 5:13 pace in the women’s category.
Amongst those who took part was Johannes Mosehla, the oldest person ever to finish the 89.9 km Comrades ultra-Marathon at the age of 83 on 11 June 2025. Mosehla completed the 21km at 2:13.

Another prominent athlete Maki, a trusted pacesetter of the 12-hour bus during comrades marathon graced the race after travelling more than 500km and finished her 42km race within 4 hours.

The only bus driver for the 21km was Lerato Molomo from Polokwane Athletic Club, she delivered her passengers a minute less than the 2:45 target allowing passengers to register their finish at 2:44.

“As a pacesetter, the objective is to deliver new passengers to the finish line within the target. I had two athletes who participated in the 21km race for the first time and that’s what I enjoy. Ensuring that new runners get to experience the humanity and support while in my bus”.

Learned lessons after a six years break, Stella Dhokotera, a Zimbabwean committee member acknowledges a few challenges that will be improved in 2026. Runners experienced delay in starting time, online registration and limited water points.

Runners who completed the race were awarded with a medal and race T-shirt that had the running route taken printed at the back and two countries flag in the front symbolizing international relations. EC