adminLiberty Dube
HARDLY a month after raising Zimbabwe’s flag high at the Soweto Marathon held in Johannesburg, Dangamvura-based long distance runner, Tendai Chamwandoita, scooped a silver medal at the Tough One Race held in Randburg, Johannesburg on Sunday. True to its namesake, the race, which saw more than 12 000 athletes from across the world participating, is one of the toughest races in South Africa because of its terrain.
Chamwandoita finished the 32 km race in two hours, 15 minutes and 13 seconds. And as usual, his race was marred by a myriad of challenges, chief among them lack of resources.
“Just like the Soweto Marathon among other races, I had limited resources. I had to fend for myself from the little I had. The energy-sapping race needed extra fitness because it was full of terrains and curves. I also jogged for seven kilometers to reach the starting point since I had no bus fare to get there. That easily affected my performance. I could have easily scooped a gold medal,” said Chamwandoita, who, a fortnight ago, claimed was given a paltry $2 by Sports and Recreation Commission official, Shupikai Berejena for food and transport.
He added: “I am, however, grateful and proud to raise the country flag high again. I will continue to aim higher,” said the aging runner who turned 43 early this year. Last month, another Zimbabwean runner, Mike Fokorani, scooped a gold medal in the 42km Soweto Marathon after finishing second.
Exciting long distance runner, Moffat Mistake got a silver medal in the 21km race after finishing in one hour, 19 minutes in the same marathon. Hardworking female runner, Rutendo Nyahora, came out tops in the 10 km race and scooped a gold medal, while Dangamvura-based lanky runner, Chamwandoita gave a good account of himself when he finished the 42km race in 3hrs, 12min.
He scooped a bronze medal.
Online Reporter