Highly fancied Lebenya Nkoka has won the 42.2 kilometre marathon and an M4 500 prize in the Two Nations Sports Festival held between Maseru and LadyBrand.

In the women's section, South African Keneiloe Molapo, 30, won the race in her debut. She was second in the Mokhotlong Summer marathon last year, which Minister of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation Mrs. 'Mathabiso Lepono announced will this year be held on December 10. 

Mabothile Lebopo won 21.1 kilometre half marathon and another Lesotho runner, 'Mamoroallo Tjoka won in the female category.

Lebenya, running under the Mr. Price banner, clocked 1:19:08 in this race and said he was happy with his performance as the race is part of his preparations for the Soweto marathon. He will however, take part in other, shorter, races to increase his speed.

"The Soweto marathon is a bit tough and competitive and needs one to be fully prepared physically and mentally," he said.

At least 70 local athletes had registered for both the marathon and half marathon, including defending champions Neo Moholobela and Molahlehi Bokaako in the two categories.

05 September 2005