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Takudzwa Chitsiga-Sports Reporter
ABEL Chibanda and Melody Chikonzi were crowned the Musabvunda half-marathon winners at the Reserve Bank Sports Club on Sunday after they crossed the finish line in 1hour 04 minutes and 1hour 32minutes respectively.
In the men’s race, Chibanda of Mr Pace Academy came home first ahead of Tendai Zimuto, who crossed the finish line in 1hour 6minutes, while Wellington Warevi settled for third place.
Chibanda said he was happy to win the inaugural Musabvunda road race which he was using for his upcoming international race in Zambia in two weeks’ time.
“I am feeling happy. It was very comfortable and I give credit to Musabvunda because it was a flat terrain though at the end there were some little hills but it was fine terrain.
“I thought my competing days were over and my coach Fredywell Chigura said I have to reorganise and prepare for the marathon. My management team is helping a lot and they are supporting me well through transport and running shoes. For a tree to stand strong it needs deep roots.
“So I have used this race to prepare for my next race to be held in Zambia on September 23. My prepared target time was 63 minutes. It’s unfortunate I have never been running international races though it has always been my wish. So today’s race I was preparing for an international race,” said Chibanda.
Nineteen-year-old Chikonzi, who was ahead of Fetima Hassim in the women’s race, said she was excited by winning the event and is now looking forward to other races coming in the near future.
“I am excited as it is my first time to take the first position in a major race. I am a junior running mostly in 21km races and I am grateful to my coach Aldence Muhoni from Cadence Athletics Club.
“I did two weeks in Bulawayo training for this race. I am grateful to the effort my coach puts into my development. He helps me with all the basics.
“I am looking forward to improving my time in the upcoming races such that I win more races,” said Chikonzi.
Caroline Mhandu won the 10km race in 26minutes ahead of Emilia Mukungatu and Monalisa Kusikwenyu. The 10km men’s race was won by Moses Tarakinyu in 24 minutes as Blessing Waison was second in 25 minutes. Canicius Wenjere completed the top three in 28 minutes.
The event’s co-ordinator Kudzai Pasipanodya said the festival went on well.
Online Reporter