The Simon Muzenda Gutu Half Marathon race defending champion Rutendo Nyahora has pulled out of this year’s edition of the event slated for this Sunday in Masvingo, accusing organisers of the event of not being clear on the prizes.
BY KENNETH NYANGANI
In an interview with this NewsDay Sport from her base in South Africa yesterday, Nyahora said there was lack of communication between the organisers of the event and athletes.
“This year I will not participate at the Gutu Half Marathon because they are not clear on the prizes. Some of us make a living through the sport. So it will be good to go and participate in the race knowing the actual prizes,” she said.
Nyahora went home with last year’s prize after clocking a good time of 1hr 17min 32sec.
For winning the event, Nyahora said she was expecting $2 500 as communicated, but was given $1 000.
“Last year, we participated in the same race and we were told that winners were going to get $2 500 because in the previous years, they were paying the same prize ($2 500). But last year, I was given $1 000. It’s good to tell us what is in the basket. We are not saying they must pay us big money, but just let us know, just like other races,’’ Nyahora said.
“For example, there is a new race coming on November 29 in Bulawayo. We are already aware what is in the bag.” In an earlier interview, organiser of the Simon Muzenda Half Marathon, Titus Madzingo said the event was funded by the Muzenda family, friends and well-wishers.
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“The family has indicated that the race is on. They also said that they are going to maintain year’s prize breakdown. We are going to pay $2 500 for the winners in the main 21km category,’’ he said.
“Last year’s event was sponsored to the tune of $43 000 and it is going to be maintained. It’s official that the race is on the eighth of this month. We have top athletes who have already indicated they will take part in marathon. We are expecting a bigger pool of athletes this year.”
In the male category, defending champion Elijah Mabhunu has already indicated he will participate.
