Zimbabwean Athletes Win Both 42km Categories at Two Countries Marathon 2026
- South African runners faced a unique challenge when this Musina race took competitors beyond Limpopo and into neighbouring Zimbabwe
- The cross-border marathon took a different route this year, with the finish line waiting on the other side of the Limpopo River
- Zimbabwean athletes made a big impact in the headline races, but the unusual journey from Musina to Beitbridge was just as fascinating
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Zimbabwean runners stole the spotlight in a marathon that started on South African soil before crossing into Zimbabwe, with Israel Mudimba and Annie Chirisa taking the men’s and women’s 42km titles at the Two Countries Marathon on Saturday, 3 October 2026.
The race began in Musina, Limpopo, and finished at Dulibadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge after the route changed from previous editions. The change meant runners headed north from South Africa into Zimbabwe rather than finishing in Musina.
For South African runners, it was far from an ordinary road race. The longer events require participants to cross the border, making the Two Countries Marathon one of the region’s more unusual running experiences. Race information listed the 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km events, with passports required for the cross-border sections.
Zimbabwe runners dominate the big race
Mudimba of Blanket Mine won the men’s 42km race, while Chirisa of ZRP Bulawayo claimed the women’s crown.
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Mudimba later summed up the challenge after securing victory.
“I ran the 42 km race and I became number one. Though it was really challenging, I think due to dedication, I managed to go through,” he said, according to ZBC.
Zimbabwean runners also performed strongly in the other categories, with Mthokozisi Mhlanga winning the 21km race.
The results were notable given the event’s cross-border nature and its South African starting point in Musina.
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More than just another Limpopo road race
The Two Countries Marathon has a history of producing competition between runners from both countries.
In 2025, South African runner Samuel Manamela won the men’s 42.2km race in 2:30:00, edging Zimbabwean defending champion Nkosiyazi Sibanda by about a minute.
That makes this year’s result particularly interesting for South African running fans, with the marathon once again providing a platform for athletes from both sides of the Limpopo.
The event is jointly linked to Musina and Beitbridge’s twinning relationship and is designed to promote sport tourism, community interaction and stronger relations between the neighbouring towns.
By turning the route into a border-crossing experience, the event offers something different from the usual South African road-racing calendar — 42.2km, two countries, and one very long morning.
George Kusche considers career change after Comrades triumph
Briefly News previously reported that 2026 Comrades Marathon champion George Kusche is considering whether to pursue running full-time after his record-breaking victory.
The 27-year-old South African said the win had opened opportunities he had not previously considered.
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Source: Briefly News
