adminLiberty Dube Weekender Correspondent
DANGAMVURA-BORN long-distance runner Tendai Chamwandoita was on Wednesday expected to leave the country for Johannesburg, South Africa, to take part in the Soweto Marathon.
The 42km race will be held on Sunday.
The 42-year-old former pacesetter for long-distance runner Stephen Muzhingi will battle it out with thousands of runners drawn from several African countries.
In an interview, Chamwandoita, a former Dangamvura High School student, said he was eyeing a top 10 place.
The lanky runner’s previous accolades include a silver medal in the 2013 – 2014 Two Countries Marathon (from Beitbridge to Musina) as well as a bronze medal in the 56km Two Oceans Marathon (Atlantic to Indian Ocean).
Last year he finished on position 63 in the Two Oceans Marathon which saw about 26 000 runners taking part in the race.
“I am aiming to win just like any other athlete who is going into a race. But a top 10 finish is more realistic and I am training hard towards achieving that.
“I strongly believe that I have something to offer and I am physically and mentally fit to compete. I am proud to represent Zimbabwe and I hope to lift the country’s flag high,” said the ecstatic runner.
He said he was doing piece jobs to raise funds for training, transport and accommodation for this and other future marathons such as next year’s Two Oceans Marathon.
He reached his personal best in June last year at the Victoria Falls Marathon after he finished a 42-km race in 2 hours 33 minutes.
“As part of my training, I have been running up and down the hill at Manicaland Provincial Heroes’ Acre, running to Hartzell and coming back as well as three-hour-long run speed work,” he added.
Online Reporter