27 Dec 2024

Various runners from Mahalapye and nearby villages celebrated Christmas by taking part in the 21km, 10km and 5km race. The event, which is dubbed Mahalapye-Moko Half Marathon, is set to be an annual event and it is the brainchild of Kgosi Tshipe Tshipe of Mahalapye. Speaking at the event Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West, David Tshere said the marathon was one of Kgosi Tshipe’s priorities, which he set to do when he was appointed chief. His aim, he said was to unite the people of Mahalapye and the marathon had brought them together as Mahalapye residents. Tshere, who is also the Minister of Communication and Innovation, said in the past, the residents were not free to associate with their village as it was said to be notorious for petty crimes. He commended Kgosi Tshipe for changing the reputation of the village. Mahalapye East MP and also Assistant Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Augustine Ngatanga said the marathon would unite the community as people who were living in Mahalapye were able to meet those who were originally from Mahalapye and worked elsewhere. Mr Ngathanga said if it had not been for the marathon some would not have met and talked about how they would develop the village. He encouraged the community to make physical activity a part of their daily lives as it could help them increase their life expectancy. For his part, Kgosi Tshipe said the marathon was one of his commitments to the residents He said his vision was to change the image of his village and to develop it. He expressed his satisfaction that the results of his commitment were already visible. Giving an overview of the marathon, Makobamotse regiment chairperson, Thulaganyo Thutoetsile pleaded with the business community to continue supporting the marathon so that it could grows and unearth talent. Meanwhile, in the 10km race (men’s category), Marvin Mutandiwa took first place while Emmanuel Goitsemodimo took position two and Bofelo Moloi got position three while in the women’s category, Matshidiso Rabatu got position one followed by Lethabo Modukanele and Violet Thibatsela in position two and three respectively. In the 21km race, Boikanyo Gaebolae got position one, Setebia Katjiwa got position two while Kabo Baalosi got position three. In the women’s category Botumile Ntwayagae was the only participant in the 21km race.Ends