Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARARE will host the latest ZITF Coca-Cola Four-Minute Mile qualifiers during the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) athletics nationals set for the University of Zimbabwe tomorrow and Thursday.
Athletes hoping to advance are required to clock around four minutes 31 seconds or better to secure a place in the semi-finals, which are usually staged at White City in Bulawayo.
The final will be held during the last day of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
So far, Freedom Banda of Northlea High Athletics Club and ZRP runner Shane Makota, are the two athletes who have qualified for the semi-finals.
Banda stopped the clock at four minutes 29 seconds, while Makota went a second faster with four minutes 28 seconds, to ensure both athletes move safely into the semi-final round.
The Harare qualifiers are expected to attract strong competition, given the depth of talent that will be assembled for the NASH nationals, one of the biggest events on the schools athletics calendar.
“We are very excited about hosting the Four-Minute Mile qualifiers in Harare over two days,” said Madanyika.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes in the capital to compete without having to travel far and it adds an extra layer of excitement to the NASH nationals.
“We’re expecting some intense competition and it’s a great chance to identify and nurture emerging talent in the country.”
Black Rhinos middle-distance runner, Wellington Varevi, won last year’s event.
He has won it four times in a row.
Varevi clocked a time of 4 mins 28.81 secs, slightly slower than his 2024 winning time of 4:21.38 but enough to secure yet another victory.
Elijah Mabhunu finished second with a time of 4:23.79, while Munyaradzi Zizhou came in third, crossing the line at 4:21.31.
