Chinyoka braces for Comrades Marathon

Ellina Mhlanga-Senior Sports Reporter

JONATHAN Chinyoka believes he has what it takes to last the distance when he takes part in the Comrades Marathon for the first time this weekend in South Africa.

The ultra-marathon is slated for Sunday and this year it is an up run starting at the City Hall in Durban and finishing in Pietermaritzburg. 

The official route distance will be 85.91km, making it the shortest route distance in Comrades history. 

Chinyoka will be part of the field on Sunday. 

“My preparations were okay because the way I ran at PPC Matopos Matopos 33 Miler, was encouraging. I improved my time, that’s why I chose to run Comrades this time. 

“I know it’s difficult because it’s up-run this year and it’s tough. It’s also big in the world, 90km is not easy but I tried to do my best in terms of preparations. 

“It was tough but I managed,” said Chinyoka. 

Zimbabwean athletes are regular participants at the race, with Stephen Muzhingi winning the Comrades three consecutive times — from 2009 to 2011, while veteran runner Mike Fokorani has been part of the race for some years. 

Fokorani’s best performance at the Comrades was in 2016 when he finished fourth.

“The likes of Muzhingi and Fokorani have been my inspiration. The way they have performed at this race, it’s something I would want to emulate. 

“Since it’s my first year, if I can run under 6 hours and make the top 20 it would be good. 

“Maybe next year I can then aim higher.

“We (Fokorani and Muzhingi) have competed together in races like Old Mutual, and CBZ marathon and I have been competitive against them. 

“They went on to win the Two Oceans and the Comrades, so I feel I am not that far behind them. 

“I had sponsorship challenges during my preparations, and things did not go exactly the way I wanted because of limited resources. 

“However, I believe I did my best to be ready for the race,” Chinyoka said. 

Other Zimbabwean runners competing at this year’s edition include Fokorani, Monica Kativhu, and Lyno Muchena. 

Fokorani left the country on Tuesday afternoon by road and is expected to arrive in Durban today. 

Muchena first competed at the event in 2016. 

He was also part of the field in 2019. 

Going into this year’s edition, Muchena is hoping to be among the top runners. 

“Firstly, the preparation went well. During my two appearances (in 2016 and 2019) I wanted to have a feel of the race.

“At the 2019 edition, I came in position 15 and I am now going for gold. I like tough and challenging things,” said Muchena.