adminRicky Zililo Sports Reporter
THE country’s elite runners believe a bigger purse can improve the PPC sponsored Matopos 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon and attract a stronger field. Lyno Muchena, who runs for Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), won the race which started at Moth Shrine in Matopo National Park and ended at Bulawayo Athletics Club on Sunday in three hours 13 minutes 59 seconds.
The Manicaland Province based athlete who was using the race to prepare for the Comrades Marathon, took home $750 prize money.
The first and second runners-up Andrew Chimbidzikai and Leonard Koki — members of the Zimbabwe National Army — were rewarded with $500 and $350 respectively.
Other top 10 athletes got $250 for position four, $150 position five, $100 for sixth placed runner while the last four to make it into the top 10 walked home with $50 each.
Muchena said as athletes they use lots of money preparing for races and deserve better rewards.
“We’re obviously aware of the liquidity challenges that companies are facing but what we’re appealing for is to have improved prize money next year. We use a lot of money to prepare for the race and maybe if they’re to double the prize money at least it will cover some of the expenses and leave me with something,” said Muchena.
For one to compete in the main race — 33-Miler, athletes paid $10 registration fee which was the same for Half-Marathon (21.1km) while those who participated in the 5km Fun Race parted with $5. Relay teams paid $50 registration fee.
Sunday’s race had over 500 participants, with about 350 competing in the Fun Race while the rest took part in the main event, the Half-Marathon and relay.
“We’re grateful to PPC for supporting athletics but our wish is that they increase the prize money. Preparing for an ultra-marathon is taxing, hence the need for a good purse to encourage us. Believe you me, if the prize money is attractive, you’re certain to get an equally good field of athletes,” said Koki.
The other concern raised by athletes was water points which were “far apart” in the last 10km of the race.
“Next time they should try to have water points in every kilometre in the last 10km of the race. It’s at that stage where you’ll be in need of more water to cool off,” said Muchena.
In the women’s category, Lizzie Chokore dethroned Monica Kativhu – winner of the 2013 and 2014 editions — clocking a time of three hours 52 minutes 22 seconds.
Kativhu was a distant second in four hours 31 minutes 29 seconds while veteran long distance runner Samukeliso Moyo was third in four hours 31 minutes 35 seconds.
A star-studded half-marathon saw Jacob Mugomeri winning the men’s race beating the likes of pre-competition favourite Nkosiyazi Sibanda, Elijah Mabhunu and Phathisa Ngwabi after crossing the line in an hour five minutes 32 seconds.
Olivia Chitate maintained her dominance in the women’s category coming home in one hour 20 minutes 21 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Bulawayo Athletics Board was happy with the turnout at the PPC Matopos 33-Miler competition.
“It’s our hope that PPC will continue bankrolling this event which is one of the most fascinating races in our calendar. We’re grateful for their desire to improve athletics and I’m sure athletes will also want to express the same gratitude,” said Manuel Mpofu, the BBA chairman.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter