Youthful Jenamo conquers Phikwe Marathon

A 20-year old debutant Kabo Jenamo from Francistown Athletics club overcame experienced athletes to win the men’s 42.2 km Orange Phikwe Marathon over the weekend.

Pitted against the experience of the Zimbabwean marathon specialist Tops Mopatwa who came second and the 38-year old Ndabile Basingile from Ned Bank club who came behind Mopatwa, Jenamo defied all odds to steal the number one spot. The swift runner overwhelmed his rivals toward the end of the race leaving spectators awed. In a post race interview, Jenamo said he had tough competition and did all his best to set the pace towards the end of the race.

“This was a very competitive race, at some point I had to cover a gap of 100m my mind told me to quit but my body kept on pushing. I was not expecting to win but I have done it and I am proud,” said Jenamo who was still short of breath.

He had expected fierce competition from neighboring Zimbabwean athletes but he managed to beat them through the help of his coach. “I had a lot of respect for Zimbabwean athletes coming into the race. I knew they have stamina for long distances so I had to be at my best. I applaud the guidance of Collins Dube and my coach Moremi Phiri for helping me upgrade from 10km race to the tough 42 km race,” said Jenamo adding that the race was not a walk in the park.

Moreover, one of Jenamo’s goals was to reach the Olympic qualifying time. “My target was to beat the Olympic qualifying time, as I aspire to see myself competing at the big stage, alongside the big athletes of this country.”

For his part, Tops Mopatwa who came in behind Jenamo said he was targeting Batswana athletes as they usually bring the best out of him. “I was only targeting Batswana athletes, I lost this Marathon last year to a Motswana and I wanted to beat them this year, I can’t say I am disappointed because I did my best today and I came ahead of all my countrymen,” the Zimbabwean runner explained.

Coming in third place, Basingile applauded the youngster who led the race ahead of an experienced runner like himself. “I applaud the hard work of the youngster who led the race they had shown bravery and limited respect towards the seniors, they should maintain that spirit and push themselves to the limit,” Basingile said, adding that he enjoyed the race.