Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORTUNATE Chidzivo has described her victory at the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday as a confidence booster as she prepares for the World Championships.
The championships will run from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Japan.
Chidzivo, running under Mr Pace Athletics Club, clocked 2 hours 41 minutes 59 seconds to claim victory in the women’s race, ahead of last year’s winner Ethel Pangiso.
Pangiso came second in 2 hours 46 minutes 5 seconds and Phillipa Dube came third in 2 hours 50 minutes 28 seconds.
A week ago, Chidzivo won the Tanganda half marathon.
“It’s exciting to win a race with a strong field. These are champions and winning the race is encouraging.
“Actually, the legs were tired from Tanganda, so I have to thank God for the blessing. I am grateful,” said Chidzivo.
“The focus is now on the World Championships. With the support of Mr Pace, Zimpost . . . I think we are looking forward to doing better.
“The time I ran at Vic Falls says something. We managed to shed off six minutes and some seconds from the previous time.
“It tells you the fitness is there, and we were running on tired legs. We had to win Tanganda last weekend, and we still went on and ran a course PB (personal best) with over 6 minutes.
“So, it tells we are heading somewhere.”
Chidzivo could not hide her joy after winning both the Tanganda half marathon and yesterday’s marathon.
Last year she finished third.
“Actually, this is my first time winning both races. It actually builds confidence in whatever I am focusing on.
“The confidence is there, and I am aiming for a PB again because I can see the improvements out of my training.
“I am seeing the results. I am seeing the achievements.
“Thanks to Zimbabweans, who supported me with funding to fly to Vic Falls. It really helped; it took the load off my shoulders.
“I was comfortable going into the race . . . It was an advantage for me. So many thanks to them,” Chidzivo said.
Blessing Waison was the first to cross the finish line in the men’s category in 2 hours 13 minutes 15 seconds.
He was followed by Isaac Mpofu with a time of 2 hours 13 minutes 53 seconds and Godwin Katakura was third in 2 hours 14 minutes 24 seconds.
The half marathon title went to Wayne Kabondo, who clocked 1 hour 3 minutes 43 seconds.
Isaac Langat finished second in 1 hour 4 minutes 2 seconds and Tatenda Hove was third in 1 hour 4 minutes 44 seconds.
Caroline Mhandu crossed the finish line in 1 hour 14 minutes 49 seconds to claim the women’s title.
Miriam Sibanda settled for second place in 1 hour 17 minutes 5 seconds while Melody Kaseke placed third in 1 hour 19 minutes 26 seconds.
Chidzivo, Mhandu, Kabondo, Langat and Sibanda were some of the athletes running under Mr Pace Athletics Club.
And the club’s head coach Collen Makaza was impressed.
“We dominated as Mr Pace Athletics Club. Wayne was in position one and Isaac Langat, the Kenyan guy, also running for Mr Pace was number two.
“For Wayne Kabondo, it was planned. We were planning to win this race because last week, we raced 10km at Tanganda aiming to win this one, so everything went according to plan.
“We are very happy and he ran his PB (personal best). For us as a club, it’s good, and also, we have Fortunate going for World Championships .
“I think we are on the right direction as a club especially on the development of these upcoming athletes like Miriam and Caroline,” said Makaza.
