Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
LONG-DISTANCE runner Fortunate Chidzivo has set her eyes on defending the Old Mutual Vumba Half Marathon title.
The annual event is scheduled for October 26. It will also feature 10km and 5km races.
Chidzivo won the race last year when crossing the finish line in 1 hour 26 minutes 23 seconds.
Confirming her participation, Chidzivo, who took part at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan last month, said she is already working on her participation.
She is also targeting the national cross country to be staged in Bindura on November 15.
“I will be lining up at the Vumba Half Marathon on the 26th of October, and then I am also going for the cross-country nationals, expecting to book the spot to America for 2026.
“I am back in training. I actually started training in Japan. “I just need to get the grip on movement and speed because I already have the mileage, so we just want to work on pure speed,” she said.
The seasoned distance runner is hopeful of retaining the title.
She is aware of the competition she is likely to face from the younger athletes expected to grace this year’s edition.
“My target is to defend the title.” But I still have to work to put in some speed because I know the ladies for the half marathon will be out to give it their all,” said Chidzivo.
For the national cross country, Chidzivo made it clear she is gunning for a slot at next year’s World Cross Country Championships in the United States.
The 38-year-old won the 2020 edition in Harare. “I once won the nationals I think that was 2020. That was my first time running cross country and I won.
“So, I am coming back for cross country for the second time in 2025 with the aim of qualifying for America, 2026.
“I am actually going to use the cross-country sessions to get back strength, speed and everything because I am aiming to line up at Durban International again next year, aiming to improve my personal best for the marathon,” Chidzivo said. It appears this year’s edition of the national cross country is drawing more interest from some of the top distance runners, hoping to grab a slot at the world event. However, the athletes have to first make it into their provincial teams to be part of the national competition where they will battle it out to qualify for the world event. The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe have hinted they would want to send an improved number of athletes compared to the previous edition held last year, when they fielded two athletes.
