Masunda is new king of the hill

Frederick Kebadiretse
Staff Writer | Monday May 28, 2012 00:00

 

The South African based Musonda came ahead of last year winner, Boiphemelo Selagaboy as well as Godiraone Nthompe. The two BDF Athletic Club runners came second and third with times of 00:49:42 and 00:50:26 respectively. The trio had assumed the lead from the first loop of the race around the PPC plant throughout the flat terrain to the foot of Kgale Hill where they ascended ahead of everyone.

Musonda was however, seconds ahead on the downhill and managed to beat his closest competitors to the line just before the sprint stretch. Gaborone Runners Club (GRC) dominated in the women category with Onkemetse Solotate crowned queen of the hill with a time of 01:04:36. Second and third was her club mates, Joyce Tan and Matshidiso Tamari with times of 01:07:26 and 01:14:03. The race, organised by GRC was in its 14th edition this year. It has also become a hub for fitness enthusiasts who came in large numbers this year. There were also some international athletes who usually use the race to prepare for some of the major regional events.

Over 300 runners took part in this year 's event in the junior, senior and veterans' categories. The youngest athlete running was only 10 years old while the oldest was 71 year old. PPC Botswana sponsored this year's race with over P100, 000 with an amount of P27, 000 used solely for prizes.

Speaking at the medal ceremony, PPC Botswana Managing Director (MD), Werner De Beer said the race has grown tremendously in terms of number and quality of participants over the past 14 years. He expressed delight that it was now able to attract a lot of international athletes, meaning its popularity has also increased.

De Beer said in the future they want to involve families and corporate companies to take part in the race as a way of keeping fit and promoting team spirit among members.