ZIMBABWE National Army (ZNA) runner Tendai Zimuto produced a powerful finish to win the men’s 42,2km race at the 2026 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, edging Owen Slowly by just 10 seconds in one of the closest finishes in the event’s history.
Zimuto crossed the line in 2:16:09 to pocket the US$3 000 winner’s prize, with Slowly finishing second in 2:16:19 to take US$2 000.
Defending champion and pre-race favourite Blessing Waison had to settle for third in 2:16:36, earning US$1 500 after falling 27 seconds short of retaining his title.
Although victorious, Zimuto was unable to better Waison’s course record of 2:13:16, set at last year’s edition.
The ZNA athlete said the race formed part of his preparations for upcoming qualifying events for the World Championships and Olympic Games.
“It always brings me joy to run in the Victoria Falls Marathon, and I am happy that I won. It was part of my preparations for major qualifying races for the World Championships and the Olympics. I am working on improving my times. I also ran in the Tanganda Half Marathon last week. Competing against these top athletes helps me gauge where I am, and I am happy with the time I posted,” Zimuto said.
In the women’s full marathon, Sylvia Kwambai claimed the title in 2:46:06, finishing ahead of Fortunate Chidzivo, who clocked 2:47:12, while Rutendo Nyahora completed the podium in 2:50:52. Chidzivo had won last year’s race in 2:42:00.
The men’s half marathon was won by Godwin Katakura in 1:04:29, followed by Moses Tarakinyu (1:05:08) and Andrew Dick (1:06:08).
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Mercy Chemutai won the women’s half marathon in 1:15:47, ahead of Melody Kaseke, who finished in 1:16:46.
In the men’s relay, Team Black Rhinos claimed victory in 1:08:27, ahead of another Black Rhinos team (1:09:41) and Team ZPCS (1:11:03).
Team Runmate won the women’s relay in 1:43:57, followed by Team Rhythm and Run (1:44:39) and Team Novanest in third.
Elford Moyo won the men’s wheelchair race in 50:05, ahead of Godknows Dziripi (52:28) and Previous Wiri (54:49).
Margret Bangajena took the women’s wheelchair title in 1:11:10, with Moline Muza second in 1:14:00 and Stellah Jongwe third in 1:15:14.
This year’s edition once again attracted thousands of local and international runners to Victoria Falls, underlining the marathon’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s premier road races and one of Zimbabwe’s flagship sports tourism events.
