PREPARATIONS for both the Simon Muzenda Gutu Half Marathon and Old Mutual 21km Vumba Mountain run race slated for next month in Masvingo and Manicaland provinces respectively are at an advanced stage.
BY KENNETH NYANGANI
A galaxy of the country’s top stars will first converge in Masvingo for the Gutu 21km half marathon on November 8, before they square off for the top honours at the Mountain run at Leopard Rock Hotel in Vumba a week later.
Battle-hardened athlete Rutendo Nyahora, who won both races in the female category last year, and man of the moment, Elijah Mabhunu will be aiming to defend their titles.
The South Africa-based Nyahora hit the ribbon first in 1hr 17min 32sec at Gutu before recording a better time of 1hr 17min 17sec at Vumba Mountain run.
Harare-based Mabhunu recorded 1hr 05min 11sec and 1hr 06min 08sec, respectively in both races.
The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe, president Tendai Tagara said he was expecting the country’s best athletes in both events, as most of them will be aiming to boost their coffers ahead of the festive season.
“Preparations for the Gutu and Old Mutual Vumba Mountain run are at an advanced stage, as the national association, we have marginally received reports on the preparations for both races,” he said. “As for the Vumba marathon races the Manicaland Athletics Board, led by Joshua Matume, has met sponsors Old Mutual, who will be in Vumba in a few days’ time, where they are going to inspect the route to be used by the athletes.”
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“All the top athletes in the country will take part in the races, since they would like to improve their purses ahead of the festive season and most athletes, who are based in South Africa will now be home, so we are expecting a big turn-out.”
The Vumba Mountain run is regarded as one of the toughest races in the country due to the mountainous route.
