THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) is set to stage a national marathon competition on November 15 in Bindura, which will serve as the final selection event for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships.
The gathering of long-distance runners at the Bindura University of Science Education is a crucial step towards finalising Zimbabwe’s team for the prestigious world event, which is scheduled for January 10, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida, in the United States.
NAAZ president Tendayi Tagara emphasised the importance of the Bindura competition, calling it the foundation for the 2026 world appearance.
“We are connecting history, performance and vision, giving our athletes a gateway to the world stage. Tallahassee represents a new frontier, and Bindura is where the journey begins,” he stated.
Tagara added that the event marks a significant revival of Zimbabwe’s long-distance legacy.
Manuel Mpofu, NAAZ technical director, is highly optimistic about the team’s prospects, drawing confidence from past success.
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He highlighted the 1999 Southern Region Cross Country Championship, where Kudakwashe Shoko and Samukeliso Moyo famously claimed double gold.
“Our athletes have proven they can match anyone in endurance and mental strength,” Mpofu asserted.
He stressed that the current efforts are focused on building a sustainable framework, not just a one-off performance.
“What we’re building now is consistency — a sustainable system that ensures every generation of Zimbabwean distance runners can compete on the World Stage. Bindura is not just a race; it’s our national rehearsal for Tallahassee,” he said.
Considering the prestige of the World Championships, Cynthia Phiri, the secretary-general of NAAZ and head of delegation, emphasised the competitive mindset required of all participants.
“We are heading to Tallahassee not as tourists, but as competitors.
“Our goal is clear: to place Zimbabwe among the nations that take cross-country seriously.
“Every runner wearing our colours understands the pride and responsibility that comes with representing Zimbabwe.”
Once the race concludes and the dust settles, the same venue will host the 2025 NAAZ Athletics Excellence Awards.
The daytime ceremony will honour top athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and the 10 corporate partners whose support sustains the sport, according to NAAZ.