MAHLANYA – ‘‘The USDF Wafa Wafa race will be known as Army Commander Marathon as from next year.”
These were comments by Army Commander Sobantu Dlamini yesterday during the launch of the third edition of the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force Wafa Wafa race, which was held at Nokwane Army Barracks yesterday.
The three-pronged race which will be headlined by 21 kilometres and followed by 10 kilometres and the shortest distance will be 5 kilometres.The race is set for February 11 and all races will start at 6am from Garrison Barracks and finish at the same point. Speaking during the event, Dlamini thanked all the sponsors who contributed toward the race. The race received over E80 000 from over five sponsors. Some of the companies that contributed are Puma Energy, Hlalawati, Get Bucks, Letshego to mention just a few.
“We are pleased with the support we are getting from this companies. We do hope all those in the athletics committee will utilise the money accordingly,” Dlamini said.
He further said the race would change from being USDF Wafa Wafa race to Army Commander Marathon. He also declared that the race will change from being a half marathon to 42 kilometre marathon. “I want to challenge USDF’s Veli Dlamini to win this race. Do not allow RSP or Correctional athletes to outrace you. I do hope you will make us proud,” he said.
Meanwhile, Athletics Association of Swaziland President Gideon Mthembu urged athletes to compete against time.
“I want to thank the sponsors in helping this event to grow bigger. In about 10 years time we will have over 5 000 athletes. This race has a potential to become one of the big races in the country,” Mthembu said.
USDF athlete Veli Dlamini, who was the only elite athlete during the race said he was prepared to win the marathon.
“I want to do my bosses proud by winning this race. My target is to finish it in 1:08 hours,” Dlamini said.
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