adminMzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
THE stage is set for the battle of the titans in the much anticipated Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) Zimbabwe Matopos 33 Miler Ultra-Marathon which will be run on April 13.Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) secretary-general Dailes Bingadadi said they expect all big names in long distance running to grace the event which is one of the biggest on the athletics calendar.
“We have sent invites to all athletes, fliers and banners are circulating in all athletics events which are being held in the country.
“They have been enquiries about the event from top athletes in the country, we are also expecting Zimbabwean athletes based in South Africa to take part as well,” she said.
Among some of the expected road runners are veteran Samkeliso Moyo, Rutendo Nyakora, Nkosiyazi Sibanda, Wimirai Juwawo, Wellington Varevi and last year’s winner Michael Ngaaseke.
The race was revived last year with nearly 300 runners taking part and this year’s event promises to be even much better after the sponsorship package was increased.
The competition is now sponsored to the tune of $10,000 with the winners expected to pocket $750 in both the men and women’s categories.
Ngaaseke won the last edition in three hours four minutes 42 seconds while the course record stands at three hours three minutes 18 seconds set by Tommy Lazarus in 1984.
BAB secretary-general urged more women to participate in the race after only one female Olivia Chitate took part in the event last year.
“We are expecting more female athletes this year especially the likes of Samkeliso Moyo and among others to participate. This is a challenge for women to use this opportunity to prove themselves, especially the young upcoming athletes,” said Bingadadi.
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo and Nkulumane Choppies Marathon winner Varevi said he is ready for the challenge after confirming participation in the 21km race.
“Yes, I’m taking part in the half marathon, last year I was involved in relays. Its just that I have been practicipating in sprints for the four-minute mile challenge but I am ready for the Matopos 33 miler event,” said Varevi.
Entry fee is $10 per runner in the 33 miler and half marathon, $5 fun run and $50 per relay team (5 runners).
There will be four events, the main ultra-marathon, half marathon, a relay (5 runners by 10 km each) and 5km fun run.
The race will start at Matopos National Park and finish at Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC).
It will be run in accordance with the regulations of the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter