Four minutes mile qualifiers get underway

OUT of a field of 14 athletes, four managed to qualify for the Coca-Cola Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Four Minute Challenge finals at a qualifying event held in Redcliff at the weekend.

The Challenge is an annual men’s competition with a pre-requisite time of four minutes 31 seconds, for one to qualify for the finals.

The final takes place on the last day of the ZITF on the last day of the trade showcase.

Defending champion Wellington Varevi qualified after clocking four minutes and 23 seconds. Tawanda Bvunzawabaya also made the grade crossing the finishing line in four minutes and 29 seconds.

Veteran runner Jonathan Chinyoka recorded a time of four minutes and 30 seconds.

Peter Chimukombe had a time of four minutes and 30 seconds.

The four athletes have booked their place in the finals.

Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) Watson Madanyika said they were looking forward to more qualifiers to be held in Bulawayo, Harare, Gwanda and Bindura.

“We have started preparations for the annual event which has become a traditional event on the athletics calendar. We have more qualifying events lined up and we are hopeful we will have a strong field come the final,” said Madanyika.

Last year, Varevi led from start to finish as he won race for the fourth time.

Varevi crossed the finishing line in four minutes and 15 seconds, leading a pool of 17 athletes. His time time was slower than the four minutes and 13 seconds he ran to win the race in 2022.

-@innoccentskizoe