The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) has selected Wirimai Zhuwawo and Rutendo Nyahora to represent Zimbabwe in the Sao Silvestre 15km race in Angola on December 31.
NAAZ president Joseph Mungwari yesterday confirmed the two athletes will represent the country in the annual New Year’s Eve race.
“We have selected Zhuwawo and Nyahora because of previous performances. The two athletes have been doing very well of late, that is why we have selected them to represent the country in the competition,” he said.
“We are hoping that they will give a good account of themselves in the competition. Zhuwawo will use the competition as preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games next year,” he said.
He said they were hoping the athletes will get their air-tickets in time for the race.
The race is expected to attract athletes from countries like Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa, Portugal, Zanzibar and Brazil.
The winner of the last race was veteran long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia who clocked 28 minutes and five seconds while Ethiopian Dire Tune was the best in the women’s section in 32 minutes 17secs.
Nyahora said she was preparing for the competition although she was yet to be formally informed by the association of her participation in the race.
