Athletes gear up for first city track and field

THE Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, kicking off with a thrilling track and field meet on February 8 at White City Stadium.

Athletes of all levels are invited to participate in the event, which will feature a diverse range of track and field events, including the highly anticipated ZITF Coca-Cola Four Minute Mile Challenge qualifier.

Registration is now open, and athletes can secure their spot by paying a nominal entry fee.

Registration fees for cadets, youths and juniors are US$2 per event per athlete, seniors (US$3 per event per athlete) and relay teams (US$5 per team).

Bab chairperson, Watson Madanyika, encouraged athletes to register promptly to ensure participation in the season’s opening event.

“This is the first track and field event of the year, and we are excited to start a new season. We are calling on universities, colleges, schools and clubs to register. We expect a huge turnout of athletes for the event,” said Madanyika.

The event will also serve as a preparation platform for Naph and Nash schools’ competitions and present coaches an opportunity to assess their athletes ahead of international events.

“We are excited by the talent we have in Bulawayo and believe that with the right support and training, our athletes can compete at the highest level,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of developing young talent in the sport.

“We need to invest in our young athletes and provide them with the necessary resources and support to help them reach their full potential. By doing so, we can ensure that athletics in Bulawayo continues to thrive and we produce talented athletes who can compete on the national and international stage.”

Bab is set to hold its second cross-country championship at Nketa Drive Park on January 26 ahead of the first track and field event. — @innocentskizoe