derick.khumalo
Online Reporter
With only a few days to go before thousands of runners converge on one of Africa’s most iconic destinations, Zimbabwe’s leading distance athletes have promised an intense battle at the 2026 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon on July 5.
This year’s race is expected to be one of the strongest in the event’s history, with defending champions, established stars and emerging talent all gunning for victory.
Women’s full marathon (42km) defending champion Fortunate Chidzivo returns determined to retain the title she won last year in 2:41:05.
Widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s finest female distance runners, Chidzivo is eager to rebound after a disappointing performance at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon earlier this year.
“Not every race goes according to plan, but that’s part of the journey,” she said.
“I’m motivated, healthy and excited to be back in Victoria Falls. Winning here was a special moment, and I want to prove I can do it again.”
Defending men’s champion Blessing Waison is equally determined to make it back-to-back victories while lowering his course-winning time.
“The title is mine to defend, and that’s exactly what I intend to do,” Waison said.
“The competition gets stronger every year, which is what makes this race special. I don’t just want to win again – I want to run faster and show I’m improving every season.”
Waison claimed last year’s title in 2:13:16 after edging Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling contest, with Godwin Katakura completing an all-Zimbabwean podium.
Waison’s triump improved on the 2:15:11 he posted when winning the race in 2023.
The champion arrives in Victoria Falls in strong form following a podium finish at South Africa’s prestigious Two Oceans Marathon and an impressive performance at the inaugural Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon.
Katakura, who produced a career-best 2:08:47 at Germany’s ADAC Marathon in Hannover earlier this year before winning the Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon, has been forced to abandon his full marathon ambitions after sustaining an injury in Zambia.
Instead, he will contest the half marathon, which he won last Sunday at the Tanganda Half Marathon in Mutare.
“Recovery had to come first,” Katakura said.
“The half marathon allows me to stay competitive while rebuilding my fitness. Even with the setback, I’m coming to Victoria Falls to race hard.”
The half marathon will also feature three-time champion Moses Tarakinyu, who is aiming to reclaim the title after narrowly losing to rising star Wayne Kabondo last year.
“I’ve worked extremely hard this season and I’m hungry to get back to the top,” Tarakinyu said.
“Everyone knows what this race represents, and that brings out the best in every athlete.”
Race director Brent Williamson said preparations were complete for what promises to be another world-class event.
“Every year we challenge ourselves to raise the standard, and this year is no exception,” Williamson said.
“We’ve further strengthened our medical and safety support along the route as the marathon continues to grow in both size and international appeal.”
Now firmly established among Africa’s premier road-running events, the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon attracts elite competitors and recreational runners from around the world, combining world-class competition with one of the continent’s most celebrated natural landmarks.
