After running until he felt as if his lungs would burst out, Rapula Diphoko emerged as the overall victor of the half marathon that was recently held in the quiet mining town of Jwaneng on Sunday.
He managed to successfully complete the marathon in 1:11:46. Still in the men’s 21 km race Kaelo Mosolagae and Godiraone Nthomphe came in second place and third place respectfully. In the women’s 21 km race Joyce Tau emerged victorious after completing the race in 1:29:25.
Gaone Bathoeng came in second place and Meme Tiango came third place after managing to complete the race in 1:37, trailing only 6 minutes behind Tiango.
In the men’s 10km race Sesebo Matlapeng came in first place after finishing the race in 33 minutes 34 seconds. Kelebone Skimbuwu came in second place, after falling behind by only 20 seconds behind Matlapeng.
Raobine Ramoseka came in third after finishing the race in 35 minutes. In the women’s category of the 10 km race, Mantshapelo Badumetsi, came in first place whilst Boifang Kaolatola and Basadimotse Mongologa came in second and third place respectfully.
In the junior 10 km male race category, Ketshpeile Panyapanya managed to outrun Boitumelo Masilo and Sylvester Koko who came in second and third place respectfully.
Still in the junior race category Lemogang Xaah won overall first place. Thero Mosenene came in second place whilst Notshabise Pearl came in third place. Prize winners walked away with a total of approximately of BWP40 000, whilst the rest of the participants received medals for their participation.
Stellan Bengsston of Y-care charitable trust, who is also the race organizer says they were elated at the large number of runners their first race attracted and how successful the event went even with a few hiccups occurring during the event.
“The success of the Inaugural Jwaneng Half Marathon has led us as the main organizers of the event, to assure the public at large that there will be another Jwaneng Half Marathon next year.” he said “The race attracted athletes from countries such as Kenya, and South Africa.”
