Chibanda wins half marathon

Curtworth Masango

EBEL Chibanda won the inaugural Musabvunda Half Marathon at the Reserve Bank Sports Club on Saturday.

He came home in 1 hour and 4 minutes.

He was followed by Tendai Zimuto and Wellington Warevi in the male category.

Moses Tarakinyu took the 10km race, while Blessing Waison and Canisious Wenjere were the runners-up.

Melody Chikonzi won the ladies 21km race, in 1 hour 30 minutes.

He was followed by Fatima Hassin, who recently ran the Comrades Marathon, in Durban.

Chibanda said:

“It was very comfortable and I give credit to Musabvunda.

“It was a flat terrain but, at the end, there were some little hills but it was a good route.

“I thought my competing days were over, but my coach Fredywell Chigura said I have to reorganise and prepare for the marathon.

“I have used this race to prepare for a race to be held in Zambia.”

Chikonzi, 19, said she was excited to win her first major race and is looking forward to winning more road runs.

“It was my first win. I trained for two weeks in Bulawayo.

“I look forward to improving my time in the next races,” she said.