Hope Fountain Race back

Sports Correspondent
THE Hope Fountain Race makes a return this morning with athletes from across the country expected to grace the 30km run.
The race didn’t take place last year after late preparations and lack of financial resources.The Rotary Club of Belmont sponsored race has this year managed to raise just over $5 000 that will go towards prizes for the athletes.

Registration began yesterday afternoon at the Centenary Park with the spokesperson for the organisers, Obert Sibanda, saying they were looking forward to having professional and amateur runners taking part in the race.

In an interview yesterday, Sibanda said they were happy to have the race back on the calendar and all was set for the run.

“We are ready for the race as we have made all the ground work and we are waiting for the athletes to finish registration. We have raised $5 000 and although we are yet to finalise the breakdown of the prize money, I am certain the winner of the main race will take home $500,” he said.

The race will start at 6am at the Centenary Park and the finishing line is at Hillside Dams.

There are several categories for the run with the 30km being the main event. There will also be the 3x10km relay race, 7,5km fun walk, 6x5km relay races for men, women and school going athletes.

Wheelchair athletes will also battle it out in the 30km race as there is a category reserved for them.

Sibanda said they have set aside a race for the elderly with those aged 60 and above competing on their own.

“We are expecting a 70-year-old athlete to take part in the race after expressing interest and I am sure it is going to be fun. We want to accommodate everyone including those who are not professional runners hence the various categories as we believe exercise is critical in maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

Bulawayo Athletics Board secretary Dailes Bingadadi yesterday said she met several athletes at the Gutu Half Marathon last week who expressed interest in taking part in the Hope Fountain Race.

“I met many athletes during the Gutu Half Marathon and they promised to attend our competition. Monica Kativhu, Phathisa Ngwabi, Samukeliso Moyo, Elijah Mabhunu and Sharon Tavengwa are some of the athletes that have promised to participate,” she said.

Sharon Tavengwa and George Majaji were the winners in the women and men’s categories respectively in the last edition of the race.

Both athletes walked away $500 richer in the race which was sponsored to the tune of $7 120.

Athletes will also have the opportunity to take part in the Choppies 10km race and the Joshua Mqabuko Half Marathon later this year.