Vusumuzi Dube
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Online Reporter
TWO THOUSAND athletes are expected to throng Mutare to take part in the Tanganda Half Marathon slated for the eastern border town of Mutare this Sunday.
Touted as one of the most grueling terrains, the marathon, is sponsored by agribusiness and beverage concern, Tanganda Tea Company and is organised in conjunction with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz).
Apart from the long 21km endurance race, athletes have also registered to run in the 5 and 10km races.
An annual feature on the local athletics calendar, the Tanganda Halaf Marathon is seen as a test pedestal for upcoming marathons and will be used to select athletes to represent the country at the grand stage of the World Half Marathon later in China this September.
Bulawayo Revival Team members Esnath Ndlovu, Lisedi Nkomo and seasoned marathoner Annie Chirisa of the Zimbabwe Republic Police team are confirmed participants.
As a testimony to its growing stature as a marathon of choice, the Tanganda Half Marathon last year attracted a contingent of runners from as far as Spain. This time around, organisers said they received entries from long and middle distance runners from South Africa, Mozambique and Kenya.
The company’s operations manager Farai Garayi said they remain committed to giving back to society by promoting healthy lifestyles.
“It is all systems go for now. Everyone is ready. As we have said before, this race is race is open to all Zimbabweans who want to keep fit by taking part in such competitions,” said Garayi.
“Over and above all, as Tanganda Tea Company we place our greatest desire in giving back to the communities that always support our brands. We want to promote healthy lifestyles and are grateful to our partners, the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe, the people of Mutare and the athletes.”
Defending champion, Moses Takarinyu is among the favourites.
At last year’s edition, Takarinyu strode up and down the mountainous route, cutting through the leafy suburbs of Mutare to finish in one hour one minute and 22 seconds to win the race.
Online Reporter