Isaac Mpofu works on regaining fitness

ZIMBABWEAN long-distance runner Isaac Mpofu says he is still in the process of regaining full fitness after finishing on position 19 with a time of 2 hours 14 minutes 8 seconds at the Boston Marathon last week.

Mpofu, who is back in the country yesterday took part in the Coca-Cola Four Minute Mile Challenge and qualified for the final which will be held on Saturday at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Main Arena.

The challenge has a prerequisite time of four minutes 31 seconds for one to qualify for the final. In qualifying for the final, Mpofu managed a time of four minutes 23, 58 seconds.

Mpofu says he is looking forward to the final on Saturday.

“This is a tough race and the final should be interesting. This is part of my programme to get back to full shape as l prepare for the World Championships,” said Mpofu.

On his performance at the Boston Marathon, Mpofu believes that he put up a decent show despite challenges with his calf.

“Considering l am still recovering from injury and l did not prepare well, l am happy with the result. The weather was also another challenge for me as it was raining and cold but l managed to put in a decent performance.

“Now l am back home and the goal is get back to full shape. My recovery is going well. Now l need to make sure l get back to full fitness so that l get back to running quicker times.

“For now l will consider a few races. I already have the Victoria Falls Marathon in mind. From there all focus will be on the World Championships,” said Mpofu.

The 2023 World Athletics Championships, the nineteenth edition of the World Athletics Championships, are scheduled to be held from August 19 to 27 in Budapest, Hungary.

Mpofu became the first Zimbabwean to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

He secured his ticket to France with the time he ran at the 2022 Valencia Marathon where he finished a credible 12th in two hours, six minutes, and 48 seconds. — @innocentskizoe