Econet Vic Falls Marathon prize money increased

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ORGANISERS of the annual Econet Victoria Falls Marathon have slightly increased the winners’ prize money. Set for June 28 in the resort town, winners of this year’s full marathon, both men and women will walk away with $900, up from $800 while half marathon winners are set to get $500, up from $450.

Runners up in the full marathon will pocket $750, up from $675 while third place athletes have a guaranteed $600 with $450 being set aside for fourth place finishers.

According to information on the organisers’ website registration is ongoing. Online registration will officially close on June 12 for logistical reasons.

The event continues to develop in leaps and bounds and is now a full qualifying event for the region’s top ultra-marathons, the Comrades and Two Oceans which are both held in South Africa.

“Developed in conjunction with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls Marathon is an AIMS (Association of International Marathon and Distance Races) registered event. The marathon race provides a platform for both local and international runners to pit themselves against the best. The marathon race route is fast and relatively flat and is well supported by regular water points and cooling down sections, all ably managed by the sponsors.

The marathon race route starts in the car park outside the banks/Ilala Lodge entrance, then crosses over the Vic Falls Bridge, briefly into Zambia offering the runner some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa. The route continues through the Zambezi National Park with some great views of the river, and ends at the Victoria Falls Primary School,” reads an extract from the website.

Nkosiyazi Sibanda won the competition a record fourth time last year after he crossed the line in a time of 2 hours 21 minutes 40 seconds.

In the women’s race, Monica Kativhu improved on her fourth place 2013 finish to win the title in 3 hours 8 minutes 21seconds.

Six foreign athletes were in the top 10 in the women’s race with Elizabeth Arens from the United States of America coming second in a time of 3 hours 18 minutes 40 seconds.

The men’s race was dominated by Zimbabwean athletes with only Mathews Mutanya breaking in the top 10 after finishing fourth.