Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DISTANCE runner Fortunate Chidzivo is already back in training as she prepares to defend her crown at this year’s Old Mutual Vumba Half Marathon set for October 26.
The annual event, which also features 10km and 5km races, is expected to attract some of the country’s top long-distance athletes. Chidzivo claimed last year’s title after finishing in 1 hour 26 minutes 23 seconds and is determined to repeat that success.
Confirming her participation, the seasoned athlete, who recently competed at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, said preparations are well underway. She is also targeting the National Cross Country Championships in Bindura on November 15, as part of her bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in the United States.
“I will be lining up at the Vumba Half Marathon on the 26th of October and then I’m also going for the cross-country nationals, hoping to book a spot to America for 2026,” said Chidzivo.
“I’m 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.”
The 38-year-old said her main focus is to sharpen her pace while maintaining the endurance that has made her one of Zimbabwe’s most consistent distance runners.
“That’s the target, to defend the title. But I still have to work to put in some speed because I know the ladies in the half marathon will be out to give it their all,” she said.
Chidzivo, who won the national cross-country title in 2020, believes this year’s edition offers her a chance to build form for next season.
“I once won the nationals, I think that was 2020. That was my first time to run cross country, and I won. So, I’m coming back for cross country for the second time in 2025 with the aim of qualifying for America 2026,” she said.
“I’m actually going to use the cross-country sessions to get back strength, speed and everything because I’m aiming to line up at Durban International again next year, hoping to improve my personal best for the marathon.”
This year’s national cross-country championships are already generating excitement, with several top athletes eyeing qualification for the world event. Competitors will first have to earn places in their provincial teams before advancing to the national stage.
The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe has hinted it aims to send a larger team this time, after fielding only two athletes at the last edition.
Mathew Masinge