All set for Vumba half marathon

Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub

ALL is set for this year’s Old Mutual Vumba half marathon with both the men’s and women’s defending champions ready and available for the event tomorrow.

The race starts at White Horse Inn and finishes at Leopard Rock Hotel.

Last year’s winners Moses Tarakinyu and Fortunate Chidzivo have declared themselves available and have set their eyes on reclaiming the titles they won in the men’s and women’s competitions.

Chidzivo, who is still recovering from the World Athletics Championships where she ran a marathon, is determined to repeat the same feat.

“Vumba is all about mental strength.

“I may not be fit enough to win the race but I know myself I don’t give up easily, I fight till the end.

“I feel like my body has not yet fully recovered but in terms of the injury I am now okay. However, it pulled me back a bit but I am not one to give up.”

She is up against the likes of Caroline Mhandu and Miriam Sibanda.

Mhandu placed second at the previous race and would want a change of fortunes this time around.

But Chidzivo is not reading much into that.

“I am not intimidated when I go for Vumba because let’s not forget that it’s a mountain run, you don’t just need physical strength, you need mental strength as well.

“The idea is to try my best to defend my title,” said Chidzivo.

In the men’s 21km, Tarakinyu will face the likes of Wayne Kabondo and last year’s runner-up Isaac Langat, among other leading athletes.

Kabondo is targeting a podium finish.

“Every athlete has his strengths and weaknesses, and for Vumba I am just going to try and do my best and see what happens.

“I am not good with mountain run but I am trying to get onto the podium, that’s my plan.

“I am good on other courses but mountain running is not my strength. Last year I placed fourth and the previous year I was number seven.

“This time I am trying to get onto the podium.”

He conceded the field is looking tough.

“Those are the big guys, the field is very strong,” said Kabondo.

Winners for the half marathon will get $1 000.

Apart from the half marathon, there are also the 10km and 5km races.

Manicaland Athletics Board chairperson Joshua Matume said they are ready for the event.

“We are expecting a good turnout with some of the top athletes set to compete.

“We are looking forward to more top athletes taking part this year because this is coming as we are getting closer to the end of year.

“We expect quite a good number of athletes to participate in the race.

“With defending champions coming for the race it also increases competition. I think it’s going to be a stiff competition because they also want to beat their previous times,” said Matume.