Brothers made a splash at the second edition of the ZAFFICO Marathon in Ndola yesterday with Costern Chiyaba and his sibling Vister Simalumba taking positions one and two in the men’s 42km race.

As if that was not enough, their other brother Weasir Simalumba finished third in the men’s 21km race and only because he was not feeling well..

The action-packed event in Ndola brought out more than 2,000 runners, twice the number from last year, as the racing family put on a master class of endurance running.

In the flagship 42km men’s full marathon, Chiyaba, the eldest of the brothers, clocked an impressive two hours, 25 minutes and four seconds to claim the crown, with Vister hot on his heels at two hours, 26 minutes and 26 seconds for second place, and Edward Mwale finishing third in two hours, 42 minutes and 36 seconds.

“I am so happy to win this race. Last year I raced in the 21km race and I won it. It was great for me. And the track was different as it had tarmac and gravel and conquering it is good news,” he said.

His 18-year-old younger brother, Vister, expressed excitement at taking second place considering the quality of the field.

“I’m so happy to finish second and very close to my elder brother. I didn’t expect to finish second because there were strong runners like Edward Mwale (who finished third). I think maybe in two years, I can start beating my brothers,” he said.

On the women’s side, national record holder Elizabeth Mukoloma lived up to expectations in the 42km race cruising to victory in two hours, 48 minutes and 13 seconds with Jane Kasalumuna following in distant second with a time of three hours, 15 minutes and two seconds with Ireen Bwalya taking third in three hours, 27 minutes and 11 seconds.

“I’m so happy to win this and I can feel that I’m getting back to my best. The terrain was tough and I had to make many adjustments but I made it. I have not raced a lot this year but I also won the Absa Marathon and all these are preparations for what I want to achieve next season,” Mukoloma said.

Earlier, Weaver added to the Simalumba family legacy by grabbing third place in the men’s 21km half-marathon in one hour, six minutes and 21 seconds, trailing winner Obert Michelo on one hour, five minutes and 22 seconds and runner-up Roderick Mudenda, who timed one hour, six minutes and 29 seconds.

The 21km women’s category was fiercely contested with Elizabeth Daka crossing the line first in one hour 23 minutes and 12 seconds, ahead of Esther Suziwa who was a minute behind and Judith Nankondwa l, a further four minutes behind.

And government has hailed ZAFFICO for promoting a healthy living in Zambia which is in line with the government’s vision of reducing non-communicable disease.

“I wish to report that we have 21 marathons in Zambia and it is encouraging a healthier lifestyle. We are excited about this marathon because it has unique terrain. All other marathons are on tarmacs but this one also takes you through the plantation and runners can enjoy nature,” said Ministry of Sports director Gibson Muyule.