23 Feb 2025

 Kenyan runners, Lazarus Too and Rholex Kogo went home P75 000 richer after winning the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon 42.2km open men and open women categories respectively.
Too registered 2:17:54 while Kogo clocked 2:39:39 in an epic race that ascended the majestic Kazungula Bridge then traversed through Kazungula and Kasane on a hot Saturday morning.
Zambia’s Edward Mwale (2:19:04) and Zimbabwe’s Ngonidzashe Ncube (2:20:03) scooped second and third place respectively in the open men’s event pocketing P40 000 and P20 000.
Zambia’s Ethel Pangiso (2:47:40) and South Africa’s Likeleli Majara 2:48:07) came second and third respectively in the open women pocketing the same amount as their male counterparts.
Namibia’s Lavania Haitope defended her 21km women’s category title, with a time of 1:15:59 pocketing P25 000 while Zimbabwe’s Caroline Mhandu (1:16:43) and South Africa’s Anene Bosman (1;24:00) finished in second and third respectively winning P15 000 and P10 000. Moses Tarakinyu of Zimbabwe was crowned 21km champion whereas South African Wayne Kabongo and Zimbabwe Ebel Chibanda finished second and third pocketing same amount as women.
Batswana women dominated the 10km race with Mosadikwena Gotswakgosi crowned champion and Olebogeng Segolame finishing behind her while Zimbabwe’s Melody Kaseke came third. Zimbabwe’s Wellington Varevi snatched the crown in the men’s 10km while Botswana’s duo of Lopang Oontse and Wilson Othusitse came second and third.
In an interview, Kogo attributed her win to building her endurance and speed during training back in Kenya after learning from her mistake from last year’s marathon where she came second. However, she said the race was an uphill battle due to extreme heat, which almost altered her speed at the 35km mark.  Kogo said she was looking forward to next year’s marathon as this was one of the most lucrative marathon in Africa in terms of prize money.
For his part Too revealed that he had prepared both mentally and physically to win by training in Gaborone to acclimatise to Botswana weather.
Expressed joy for winning the race, Too said he was looking forward to competing in the next edition of marathon. Kazungula Bridge Marathon CEO Obert Morgan said this year’s turnout was low due to many participants missing in action owing to heavy rains that had affected many parts of Botswana.
He stated that the race ran smoothly this year with no complaints or technical errors registered.  He highlighted that the marathon continued to be a qualifying race for other big races having been accredited by World Athletics. ENDS