From Zim to Lim: Runners conquer Two Countries Marathon
Over 350 athletes ran the Two Countries Marathon from Musina to Beitbridge, with Zim runners winning both men's and women's titles.
LIMPOPO – Zimbabwean runners dominated the 2026 Two Countries Marathon on Saturday, with Israel Mudimba winning the men’s 42.2km race and Annie Chirisa taking the women’s title.
The cross-border marathon, held under the theme “Two Nations, One Spirit”, attracted more than 350 athletes and followed a new route this year, starting in Musina and finishing at Dulivhadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe.
Categories and prize purse
Athletes competed in the 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km categories for a combined prize purse of R146 000.
Musina Mayor Godfrey Mawela described the event as one of the best marathons, saying it celebrated the unity and shared ties between the two countries.
“It is a celebration of the unity of two countries, one spirit and one shared journey.”
More than just sport
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Zimbabwe’s Matebeleland Province, Albert Nguluvhe, said the marathon went beyond sport by promoting economic cooperation and strengthening relations between communities on both sides of the Limpopo River.
He thanked the participating athletes and encouraged communities in Musina and Matebeleland to continue trading, visiting and supporting one another.
“The Two Countries Marathon is a very good example of different institutions and communities coming together around one common objective,” he said.
Strengthening regional ties
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture head of department Veronica Mokgonyana said the second edition of the marathon had strengthened social cohesion, regional integration and economic exchange between Limpopo and Matebeleland.
She said the event had also created opportunities for the two countries to showcase and exchange their cultural heritage and products.
“We are cementing the relationship between the two countries and, most importantly, fostering social cohesion and nation-building,” said Mokgonyana.
Hopes to expand to SADC
Mokgonyana said the department hoped to expand the marathon beyond the two participating countries and attract other nations from the Southern African Development Community.
“What we want to do is promote regional integration amongst the countries,” she concluded.
