All set for NAAZ cross country, awards

Ellina Mhlanga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ALL roads lead to the Bindura University of Science Education for the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe Cross Country Championships and 2025 Excellence Awards scheduled for today.

First on the programme is the cross-country event in the morning before the awards ceremony to honour top performers takes place in the afternoon.

This year’s national competition has attracted a number of top distance runners in the senior men and women with the ultimate goal being qualification to the World Cross Country Championships pencilled for next year in the United States.

The likes of Tendai Zimuto, Moses Tarakinyu, Fortunate Chidzivo and Ethel Pangiso are some of the leading road runners expected to grace the championships.

All provinces have confirmed participation.

Zimuto, to compete in the senior men’s 10km, said he is going into the race with an open mind but would want to make the cut for the World Cross Country.

“It’s a strong field, most of the top athletes are coming for the event.

“Unfortunately, I had an injury as we prepared for the event, a hamstring and it affected my preparation.

“But I am still hoping to qualify for the World Championships, that’s the goal. But we will see how it goes tomorrow,” said Zimuto.

NAAZ have set qualifying standards for the seniors and juniors.

Senior men are expected to run 30 minutes and for women they have to clock 35 minutes.

Junior men competing in 8km will be chasing 25 minutes 30 seconds and for the junior women’s 6km race, the national association set 26 minutes 30 seconds as the qualifying time.

NAAZ president Tendayi Tagara said the idea is to send competitive athletes at the World Cross Country next year.

“We have set a standard that the winner must be running at least 30 minutes (senior men), so that when we send representatives, we will be sending not just representatives, but people who will be competitive.

“At the World Championship a team is allowed up to four athletes, but due to financial constraints and the distance — look, the championships will be in the US — we are sending the winners of both men and women. “Those are guaranteed. But if we get other resources, we are prepared to send more than that,” Tagara said.

In the women’s 10km, Melody Kaeke, Chidzivo and Pangiso are expected to lead the pack. Chidzivo, who is now focusing more on marathons, admits it is not going to be an easy walk for her.

“It’s always difficult going from a marathon back to 10km than the other way round. I know there are 10km specialists who are going to be lining up but I am not counting myself out.

Finalists List:

Technical Official of the Year: Enias Nhoro, Tawanda Mutero, Collen Jimu.

Senior Athletes

Females: Vimbayi Maisvorewa, Ashley Miller, Fortunate Chidzivo.

Males: Isaac Mpofu, Tapiwanashe Makarawu, Makanakaishe Charamba.

Junior Athletes

Male: Takunda Mutizwa, Gift Khumalo, Trey Chimunya.

Female: Martha Chipuriro, Anesu Nyahuma, Hayley Chingono.

Youth Athletes

Male: Jackson Nyamazana, Ishmael Mafoti, Ropafadzo Mzondo.

Female: Kimberly Kachambwa, Moiller Mullar, Tulange Mudenda.

Provinces: Harare, Mashonaland West, Bulawayo.