Cimas iGo Half-Marathon on today

Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE Cimas iGo Half-Marathon bursts into life in Bulawayo this morning, drawing hundreds of runners and fitness enthusiasts to one of the city’s most anticipated road races. Organisers spent yesterday putting the final touches in place, confident the event will deliver the excitement and purpose it has come to represent.

Bulawayo Athletics Board chairperson Watson Madanyika said everything is in place for a smooth outing. “We are more than prepared to host a successful event.

We are greatly looking to an event of great magnitude,” he said.
Cimas Health Group chief executive officer Vulindlela Ndlovu, said the race continues to pull strong support from the community. “We are delighted in the interest that has been shown by the people in the community. We continue to raise awareness on cancer, detection and prevention.

The response has been good and we would like to welcome every person who will participate,” he said. This year’s spotlight falls on men’s health, a theme organisers believe needs more open discussion and early action. The programme features the 21,1km main race, the 10km event and a 5km run that caters for developing athletes and social runners.

Registration was set at US$20 per participant and, as always, proceeds go to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe.

Last year’s competition produced some tight contests. Brian Mpofu took the men’s 21,1km title in 1 hour 29 minutes 09 seconds, ahead of Munashe Murawa, who clocked 1 hour 31 minutes 19 seconds. In the women’s section, Coriena Hersman crossed first in 2 hours 02 minutes 19 seconds, followed by Erin Moore in 2 hours 04 minutes 43 seconds.

The 10km race saw Washington Chaminuka win the men’s run in 37 minutes 49 seconds. Alan Zinhungo came in second on 41 minutes 27 seconds. Rejoice Zulu dominated the women’s race in 1 hour 03 minutes 20 seconds, ahead of Clementina Ali’s 1 hour 05 minutes 11 seconds.

Delta Chikombe claimed the men’s 5km title in 25 minutes 44 seconds, with Leroy Muvango not far behind in 29 minutes 17 seconds. Learnmore Muvango won the women’s 5km in 35 minutes 08 seconds.

Today’s race is the second last event of Bulawayo’s road running calendar. The Bulawayo Liquorama 10km next month will close the year before attention shifts to the track in January. — @FungaiMuderere.