Lobamba – Hundreds took part in the inaugural Times half marathon dubbed ‘Your Race, Your Pace, Your Story’ on Saturday, with athletes from the Eswatini Umbutfo Defence Force (EUDF) and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) among the dominating winners.
The races were held under three categories, starting at 6am at Mahlanya Complex Exit and finishing at OlympAfrica (adjacent to Somhlolo National Stadium) as well as the 10km and 5km trails starting and finishing at OlympAfrica, with up to E65 000 in prizes and incentives up for grabs.
Among those crowned was Samkeliso Simelane of UEDF Athletics Club, who won the golden prize in the 5-kilometre male category. Phinda Mgabhi from Usuthu and Celumusa Dlamini (EUDF) came second and third, respectively. 
Nothando Dlamini, Sanele Hlatshwako, and Sinenetiwe also emerged victorious in the juniors category.
A prize was also scooped by a South African athlete, Thulani Lekhuleni, from Mbombela. He won gold in the 10km circuit, promising a return next year.
“So, for me, I really enjoyed the race. It was well organised. And shout out to the support organisers and sponsors. It was well organised. So, definitely show up again next year to defend my title,” he said.
Again, EUDF athletes Ntokozo Nkonane and Melusi Khumalo won first and second place in the longest first-half marathon, 21km, while in the female category of the same circuit, Nongcebo Mathabela from REPS emerged as number one.
In a previous statement, Ashmond Nzima, one of the Times Half Marathon organisers, highlighted that the event promotes health and fitness.
Nzima had said over 1600 athletes had registered to take part across all categories.
Gracing the event was the Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, among other dignitaries.
