Diphoko is king of the hill

Calistus Kolantsho | Monday June 9, 2014 09:08

 

The Lefika Athletics Club runner walked away with P5,500 cash prize for winning the 15 kilometres race in 46 minutes and 26 seconds. His club mate, Sesebo Matlapeng came second with a time of 48 minutes and 50 seconds. The third position went to Shepard Kenatshele of Sir Seretse Khama Barracks Athletics Club.

Diphoko told Monitor Sport that he had prepared well for the race and this made it easy for him to out run his competitors. He said that last year, he was beaten at the top of the hill but won the race at the bottom.

He explained that this year, he reached the summit and the bottom alone.  “These race is part of my preparations for the upcoming Phikwe marathon. I did not face stiff competition like I had thought. I am now going back to train harder and make sure that I improve on my time,” said Diphoko.

The second placed Matlapeng said he was happy with his performance especially that he managed to beat prominent runners. The pint-sized athlete said it was his fourth time in the race. Memo Tiango won the senior women race and pocketed P3,000. Joyce Tan came second and got P1,500.

Kabo Gabaseme won the veteran men’s race pocketing P700 while Amantle Kekganetswe was the first junior boys runner to cross the finishing line. He got P1,200. Gaone Bathoeng of SSKB won the junior girls race while John Tapela is champion of the masters’ event.

PPC Cement country director, Werner Debeer told Monitor Sport that they received a record entry of 637. He said the number is an indication that the race has grown. He said the idea is not about competition but to make the race a family event. Debeer said they introduced a new route to add spice. 

Ipolokeng Ramatshaba of Botswana Athletics Association (BBA) said they appreciate the work of Gaborone Runners Club (GRC) in organising the race. He is happy the race has shown tremendous growth over the years.