Local Runners Dominate Half Marathon

417,Calistus Kolantsho,php1F76.tmp.jpg, | Thursday May 25, 2017 00:00

Diacore Club was particularly dominant, clinching titles in both the men and women’s races. 

Rapula Diphoko was unstoppable as he cruised to the finishing line in the 21km race in a time of 1:06:53 to win the men’s race. His teammate, Sesebo Matlapeng finished second. Another Diacore runner, Sylvester Koko won the 10km race clocking 30:30, with teammate, Amantle Kekanetswe closely following with a time of 30:35. A minute later, Kagiso Kabatshwetse joined his teammates to claim the third spot. Maitumelo Gotswakgosi, who was running as an individual, gatecrashed the Diacore party as she won the 10km race beating Mema Tiango (Diacore) by a few seconds. Lame Nare finished third registering a time of 43:10.

Onneile Dintwe proved that she is the queen of the track when she bagged the 21km race. It was a race worth watching as Dintwe dashed to the finishing line, beating Gaone Bathoen.

Dintwe told Monitor Sport that the race course was challenging.

“This is a flat course just like other races in Gaborone except PPC King of the Hill. It is difficult to negotiate because you are forced to run fast from start to finish. You do not break during the race. In a flat course you use the same muscles and that strains them,” she said.

She said after winning the Phikwe marathon, she took a three-week break, and she has not been well. Dintwe said when she came back, she won the Mayor’s race but it was not an easy race because she suffered hip and knee pain. She said participating in the Independence Half Marathon was meant to increase her speed.

“I know most people are wondering why I run all the races. They are concerned that I am killing my body. It is my plan to do that (participating). I have ways of resting, including physiotherapy. I want to use them (races) to prepare for international competitions and bring medals,” she said.

The 10km winner, Diphoko said he had prepared well for the race and that he had enough rest. He said the weekend race was a catapult for the Soweto marathon scheduled for November.  “The entire route I was pushing Matlapeng because he was struggling due to injury. I had a good year, registering good times, hence my positive spirit ahead of Soweto marathon,” he said.

Meanwhile, Matlapeng admitted having a bad year due to injuries. He said finishing in second spot was an achievement. He said injuries have been due to the old running shoes he was using.

The half marathon was sponsored by: Time Shield, O3, MTN Business, Kwese TV, Cally Clothing, Pie City, Easy Escape Travel, Palm Beach Media, Trans Wholesalers, Monsuer, Arona Oil, Cotton Mouth, Party Delights, Dwine Wines, Clearworx, Botswana Building Society (BBS), Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL), Bravo Marketing and Airport Junction Mall.