Organisers of the annual Arnold Mfundo Lushaba Half Marathon are pleased with this year’s instalment held recently.
The event was established many years ago by Umzumbe Local Municipality in honour of the late mayor, Arnold Mfundo Lushaba.
Lushaba, the first ANC mayor of the municipality, died in a car accident in 2007.
Runners, some from as far afield as Kenya and neighbouring Lesotho flocked to the eSibanini Sportsfield, in Nyangwini, Mtwalume, where the race started and finished.
All eyes were on the 21km race.
In the men’s race, Jobo Khatoane from Lesotho was the first to cross the finish line, followed by evergreen Brino Chidzungu from South Coast Striders, with Melusi Sikobi of Hollywood Bets in third.
Khatoane who runs for Mr Price Maxed Elite is used to long distances. He was part of the Lesotho team which participated at the 2012 London Olympics, unfortunately, he had to withdraw due to a pelvis injury.
In the women’s category, Lesotho once again proved strong with Malineo Mahloko coming first, followed by Jenet Mbhele and Carla van Hussteen in third.
Umzumbe Municipality mayor Bongani Nyuswa was super excited about the turn out. “I thank organisers, sponsors and runners. The large number of entries is proof that the race is growing in leap and bounds. Everyone is a winner, but there is an overall winner in every competition.”
Nyuswa added: “The race has grown big in that it has become an international event. It has attracted runners from Kenya and Lesotho, with the winners of the 21km from Lesotho and last year’s men’s category winner from Kenya.”
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