Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
LONG-DISTANCE runner Godwin Katakura believes his participation at the Botswana International Cross Country next month will give him the needed experience ahead of the World Athletics event.
Katakura together with Caroline Mhandu are expected to represent Zimbabwe at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships slated for January 10, 2026 in Tallahassee, Florida, United States.
As he braces for the world stage, Katakura confirmed he will be part of the field at the Botswana International Cross Country on December 13 in Modipane.
The event is part of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour with a bronze status.
“The Botswana event, I am just going there for experience.
“We are going to race against athletes from different countries, just like at the World Cross Country.
“This is the time to test my fitness. Finishing tops will be a bonus because the main focus is to prepare for the World Cross Country.”
“For cross country the routes are different from road races, even the terrain so its an opportunity to learn, improve so that when we go for the World Championships, we are ready.
“It’s an opportunity to correct certain things, improve the trainings, depending on what we would have observed during the competition,” Katakura said.
The marathon runner admitted it is a bit tough going back to 10km and also it being a cross country event means he needs to work on speed.
“After Bindura I have been working on improving speed because I am used to 42km, and 10km its more about speed and speed endurance,” added Katakura.
Mhandu’s coach at Mr Pace Athletics Club, Collen Makaza said they have lined up a number of events building towards next year’s race.
“Caroline Mhandu’s preparations for the upcoming World Championships are progressing well and according to plan.
“With just over a month left before the competition, the training focus has now shifted strongly towards speed work, in order, to sharpen her readiness.
“As part of her build-up, Caroline competed in the Honde Valley 10km race last weekend, where she delivered an excellent performance by finishing in first position.
“This result is a strong indicator that her speed and endurance are developing effectively.
“Caroline is also targeting the Botswana Cross Country International, which forms another important step in her preparation and competitive build-up,” Makaza said.
Before she heads out to Botswana, Mhandu is this weekend taking part at the Hwange Kamandama Memorial Marathon.
She will compete in 21km.
“Additionally, her training environment has significantly improved, with several Kenyan athletes joining the training group.
“Their presence has created a highly competitive atmosphere that continues to push Caroline to higher performance levels during track and speed sessions,” added Makaza.
The two athletes earned their tickets to Florida when finishing first in the men and women’s 10km at the National Cross Country Championships held this month in Bindura.
It was the selection event for the World Cross Country.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president Tendayi Tagara encouraged more local athletes to go for the Botswana event.
“We have encouraged them to make sure that they travel because its important for their preparations. But we are inviting as many as possible to participate.”
