Callistus Kolantsho
30 June 2009
Selebi-Phikwe — Keineetse Moswasi underlined his growing reputation as a top runner after he defended his Bosele marathon title for the third successive year over the weekend. However, the Sports View Club athlete finished outside the qualifying time for the World Championship to be held in Berlin, Germany in August.
He crossed the line in 2:24:13 hours well below the 2:18:00 qualifying time for the 12th edition of the World Championships. Moswasi outclassed his Sports View team-mate, Ndabili Bashingili in a close finish. Bashingili finished five seconds behind Moswasi.
A victorious Moswasi, who pocketed P20,000 for winning the marathon said the windy conditions made the race difficult. He was disappointed at his failure to qualify for the World Championships and blamed a recurring ankle injury.
"My aim was to qualify for Berlin, but I realised that it was impossible after the first lap because of (my slow) time", he said.
Bashingili said the absence of international athletes somehow contributed to the poor times recorded. He said the presence of international runners could have pushed them to do their best. The race organisers had initially said they expect runners from Lesotho, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
Onkemetse Selotate of Gaborone Runners Club ruled the roost in the women's category, finishing the race in 3:02:37. Her team-mate, Tina Mekgwe was a distant second in 3:44:26. Selotate finished outside her best time of 2:54:00.
She decried low women participation at the tournament, which saw last year's champion, Keamogetse Rancholo staying away.
International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) official, Norrie Williamson said the marathon was one of the few races used as qualification for the World Championships.
He said the course is suitable for athletes to record a time of 2:18:00. Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) president, Moses Bantsi said the athletes' failure to beat and qualify for the World Championships means the country will have no marathon runners in Berlin.
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