HARARE, Jul. 3 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwe’s top distance runners are set for a fierce contest at the 2026 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon on Sunday, with defending champions, seasoned campaigners and rising stars all targeting victory.
Women’s defending champion Fortunate Chidzivo returns seeking to retain the full marathon title she won last year in 2:41:05 after bouncing back from a disappointing outing at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon earlier this year.
“Not every race goes according to plan, but that’s part of the journey,” Chidzivo said.
“I’m motivated, healthy and excited to be back in Victoria Falls. Winning here was a special moment, and I want to prove I can do it again.”
Men’s defending champion Blessing Waison is also chasing consecutive titles while aiming to improve on his course-winning time of 2:13:16, which earned him victory over Olympian Isaac Mpofu last year. The triumph followed his 2023 winning time of 2:15:11.
“The title is mine to defend, and that’s exactly what I intend to do,” Waison said.
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“The competition gets stronger every year, which is what makes this race special. I don’t just want to win again – I want to run faster and show I’m improving every season.”
Waison heads into the race in impressive form after a podium finish at South Africa’s Two Oceans Marathon and a strong performance at the inaugural Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon.
One of his expected rivals, Godwin Katakura, will instead compete in the half marathon after sustaining an injury in Zambia.
Katakura, who clocked a career-best 2:08:47 to win the ADAC Marathon in Hannover, Germany, earlier this year before claiming the Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon title, recently won the Tanganda Half Marathon in Mutare.
“Recovery had to come first,” Katakura said.
“The half marathon allows me to stay competitive while rebuilding my fitness. Even with the setback, I’m coming to Victoria Falls to race hard.”
The half marathon is also expected to produce another thrilling contest, with three-time champion Moses Tarakinyu aiming to reclaim the title after narrowly losing to emerging runner Wayne Kabondo last year.
“I’ve worked extremely hard this season and I’m hungry to get back to the top,” Tarakinyu said.
“Everyone knows what this race represents, and that brings out the best in every athlete.”
Race director Brent Williamson said organisers had finalised preparations for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the marathon.
“Every year we challenge ourselves to raise the standard, and this year is no exception,” Williamson said.
“We’ve further strengthened our medical and safety support along the route as the marathon continues to grow in both size and international appeal.”
The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon has become one of Africa’s leading road-running events, attracting elite athletes and recreational runners from across the globe to compete against the backdrop of one of the continent’s most celebrated tourist destinations.