adminLetwin Mubonesi
LONG distance runner Charlse Mwazauma used the correct route but settled for number 40 while fellow athletes who used short cuts ended up grabbing winners’ accolades as confusion reigned in this year’s edition of the Old Mutual Vumba half marathon. Although all was well in the 21km main event, the same could not be said of the 10km contest.
There was chaos in the 10km contest as athletes were clearly not aware of the actual route and most resorted to using short cuts. Old Mutual boss Mr Jonasi Mushosho confirmed that the 10km race was a marred by poor planning. “We sincerely apologise for the problems encountered by the athletes who competed in the 10km race, we hope you will continue participating in the future races,” said the Old Mutual chief executive Mr Mushosho.
Mwauzama was among the crop of athletes who were the first to complete the race using the correct route. Regrettably, Mwazauma’s complaints fell on deaf ears as organisers appeared to pay attention only to complaints from athletes with managers and poor Mwazauma who had no manager was left to nurse the pains of getting nothing after doing the right thing.
Meanwhile, veteran South African-based long distance runner, Rutendo Nyahora successfully defended her Old Mutual Vumba half marathon title last Saturday while Millen Mathende also snatched pole position in the men’s category.
It was a befitting birthday present for Nyahora who turned 27 last week as she claimed the third Vumba half marathon females’ title for the third time in a row. The Nedbank Club athlete crossed the line at Vumba Botanical Gardens in 1 hour 26 mins 55 seconds while Mathende finished the race in 1 hour 15 minutes to win the males’ category.
However, Nyahora failed to match last year’s performance as she won the title last year in 1 hour 17 minutes 17 seconds, which was nine minutes less than her time this year. Second placed Constance Nyasango clocked 1 hour 30 minutes while Faith Nyasango came third.
Nyahora described the race as tough considering the terrain. “The race was tough because of the steepness of the area and the meandering but despite the circumstances I managed to defend my title,” said Nyahora. In the men’s category, fellow veteran long distance runner Kelvin Pangiso came second after completing the race in 1 hour 16 mins behind winner Mathende.
Mathende attributed all his successes in long distance running to retired celebrated runner Tendai Chimusasa whom he says he is his role model who encouraged and helped him with his career. “I am greatly humbled to be the champion in this marathon because it was a tough one, I was caught by surprise I never knew that I will be the first since I was behind the leading pace.
“I was aiming to be on the sixth position after I had seen the stiff competition from the onset with some of athletes jostling to be at the leading position. “Being an athlete is an inborn talent and consistent exercising is an added advantage,” Mathende said.
Online Reporter