Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORTUNATE CHIDZIVO has declared she will be looking at retaining the title when she returns for this year’s Econet Victoria Falls Marathon in July.
Chidzivo emerged tops at last year’s event with a time of 2 hours 41 minutes 05 seconds.
And she has confirmed her participation at the upcoming edition scheduled for July 5.
A week before heading to Victoria Falls, she is also set to take part at the Tanganda Half Marathon on June 28 in Mutare.
She is also the reigning champion for the half marathon, and the goal is to defend the title as well.
The seasoned distance runner recently participated at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in South Africa.
“The Cape Town Marathon was a disappointment. I was disappointed by the reaction of my body, but it is what it is, we move on,” she said.
“And next is Tanganda Half Marathon and Vic Falls Marathon.
“Tanganda Half Marathon, it’s obvious I am going with the goal to defend my title, same as the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon.
“I am also going in with the plan to defend my title. I want to try to fill up the pockets and try again in December,” said Chidzivo.
Going into last year’s edition of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, she had placed third in 2024, and the races were part of her build-up for the World Championships that were held in Tokyo, Japan.
However, for this year, the seasoned distance runner said her goal is to try and lower her personal best.
She is considering the Singapore Marathon later in the year.
“We will try again in December, we are planning to go to Singapore Marathon,” said Chidzivo.
Her current personal best is 2:33:30.
She has already posted some positive results on the local scene, managing top finishes at the Old Mutual Harare Marathon and CBZ Marathon when competing in the 21km races.
Following her participation at the Cape Town Marathon a week ago and having put in the load, Chidzivo’s focus is more on improving her speed going into her next races.
“Preparations, I already have the mileage in my legs, so it is all about working on pure speed just to be sure we are ready.
“I have enough endurance, and I will be focusing on pure speed,” said Chidzivo.
The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon remains one of the big races on the local calendar that athletes look forward to.
While Chidzivo walked away with the title in the women’s category, Blessing Waison won the men’s section.
Waison is one of the athletes also expected to be part of the field alongside his training partner Godwin Katakura.
