It took us thirteen editions to run fro Mungu to Chikupi … and was it not for the rain which
turned the black soil between Kabwesa and Chikupi into quick sand we would not have run it today either!
Many athletes as it is custom around here when it rains did not move from their houses … they say that travelling with the rain it is dangerous especially for the risk to catch malaria … the 170 who know that malaria is not caught like this presented themselves punctual at the departure together with our exceptional guest the Italian Ambassador in Zambia Pier Mario Daccò who with his Land Rover opened the race and picked up hurt athletes or pretending ones …
Despite the muscles were still feeling the strain of the marathon of last Saturday the departure was rocket like as usual, at the beginning everybody wants to stay in front, the wide road and the absence of traffic allowed the runners to proceed compact like wild protesters for the first kilometer, then the group forms a line which, seen from the top of one of the uphill which make the race selective, reminds the migration of black ants which is easy to come across in these days.
Today the ground is fresh, so many athletes remove their shoes and socks during the race. Among these also Sydney Mweemba first of ours in the marathon and for this galvanized and sure to make the first victory of the season in the last possible occasion. Eugene, who has found his green shoes, tried in every possible way to spoil his party without success and at the end he had to make do with the second place in front of the tough Peter Chinkumbi and the young Paul Kazembe. Nobody though could worry Eugene for the overall standings after four victories out of four, who went back home on a flaming new Zambike bicycle. Second thanks to today’s victory Sydney who won a very envied set of pots.
Milika Mweesa is too strong for the other girls, hers the first place and the 25 kg of mealie meal for today’s run and the bicycle for the overall standings. Faides Muliata is second in all. Florence Mwiinga third for the day and Esther, sixth in the marathon and sister of Milika, third in the overall standings.
Ramona Muyoya is maybe the most talented girl we had in the Never Give Up, she won the overall standings, after dominating the last four races, at the first race she was not present because nobody had informed the Chikoka team … Silvia Malaila, always second in the five races of the circuit was second also in the overall. Mercy Kapempe third in all, did not keep the promise after winning the first race from C7 to Mungu.
Ackim Mwanza has the age and the stride to do great things he won all the races and the overall. Best Michelo second for the day is third in the overall behind Gift Matimba today third.
The final ceremony of this XIII Never Give Up was very beautiful, lived by the children and coaches in a climate of happiness and friendship. This year our athletes have finally faced the national panorama and understood that they have to get better and continue to train but they are not far from the top. Somebody will take part in the National Junior Championships to have fun and with the awareness that the best in life is still to come.