Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
ONE of the country’s premier marathons – the Tanganda Tea Half Marathon – scheduled for Sunday at Mutare Sports Club in Mutare, will likely see its winners qualify for the World Half Marathon event in the USA in September this year.
The event commences at 6am.
In the previous edition, Moses Tarakinyo secured pole position with a finishing time of one hour, two minutes, and three seconds, while Blessing Waison finished second in one hour, two minutes, and 11 seconds.
Isaac Mpofu claimed third place with a time of one hour, two minutes, and 50 seconds.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president, Tendai Tagara said: “The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe is delighted that Tanganda Tea Company has once again come on board to sponsor the 2025 Tanganda Half Marathon, an elite and highly acclaimed event in Zimbabwe.
“We appreciate Tanganda Tea Company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, investing in the community’s health through this half marathon, which brings together athletes nationwide and contestants from Tanganda Tea estates across the country,” said Tagara.
As the former Mutare Polytechnic lecturer who has led the country’s athletics association for over a decade, Tagara has witnessed significant growth, securing sponsors for numerous elite races.
He confirmed that Sunday’s winners will be eligible to participate in the World Half Marathon.
“It is pleasing that the Tanganda Tea Half Marathon serves as a selection event for the World Half Marathon, taking place in the USA in September. We are confident that one of Mutare’s winners will participate in the World Half Marathon. We would like to extend our gratitude to all corporates and schools supporting Tanganda Tea Company, enabling this event to grow in strength and popularity,” he said. Tagara said the association anticipates approximately 1 500 athletes participating this year.
“We expect a significant turnout this year. As an organization, we have set a target of 1 500 competing athletes, surpassing last year’s figure of 1 200. We are grateful to the Manicaland Athletics Board for ensuring the event is technically sound and meets world standards,” he said.
