The winner of the Kujatana Nkubotu 21km Peace Half-marathon Cuthbert Nyasango said he hopes to be fit to come out top once more if he takes part in the Dr Simon Muzenda Half-marathon set for Mupandawana Growth Point on Saturday.
The annual 21km race is held in honour of the late Vice- President.
Nyasango was first in the searing heat of Matabeleland North’s biggest district in one hour seven minutes and 33secs, but failed to beat Kudakwashe Shoko’s record of one hour five minutes from last year.
“If I will be feeling well, I will be off to Masvingo for the Gutu marathon and I hope to win as well.
“This one was tough. It was my first time in Binga and everything was just tough, the heat, the route and the challenge from the other athletes,” Nyasango said.
It will be a chance for Wirimai Zhuwawo, who came behind Nyasango in one hour seven minutes and 46secs to seek the honours ahead of the Kujatana Nkubotu race winner.
Also expected to mount serious challenge in Masvingo is Zimbabwe Prison Services runner Everisto Kamson who came third in Binga in one hour seven minutes and won the uniformed forces category.
It has been a good year for Nyasango who was in South Korea last month and came position 16 in the World Championships after running in the 42km race. On July 17, he came third in the Sunshine City Half-marathon in South Africa. He won the 10km Olympic Day race in Chitungwiza in June.
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Nyasango’s sister, Constance, who won the women’s section in Binga after clocking one hour 24 minutes and 18secs is also expected to be in Masvingo on Saturday. Other women expected in the race are Muchaneta Gwata, Faith Kamangira, Olivia Chitate and the Chokore sisters Chiedza and Lizzy.
Organisers of the Kujatana Nkubotu competition, Twalumba Foundation, said they will also be sending local athletes from Binga for the late Vice-President race. Lucky Siamucha and Mapenzi Munkombe who won the respective men and women’s category for the locals in Binga are expected to travel to Masvingo.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president Joseph Mungwari yesterday confirmed the Gutu Half-marathon.
“The race is on come Saturday and it is very possible for athletes to compete in two races in one week,” Mungwari said.
The Dr Simon Muzenda Half-marathon usually attracts schoolchildren in a 10km race and a 5km fun-race for the aged.
