Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOLLOWING his top spot finish at the National Cross Country Championships over the weekend, Godwin Katakura is now stepping up his game as he begins preparations for next year’s World Cross Country Championships.
The global competition is slated for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, United States.
Katakura, a promising long-distance runner from Mashonaland Central, was in top form at the national selection event held at Bindura University of Science Education at the weekend.
He beat a strong field that included Tendai Zimuto and seasoned runners Moses Tarakinyu and Wellington Varevi.
Varevi and Tarakinyu were among the many athletes who could not finish the race.
He crossed the finish line in 31 minutes 41.14 seconds in the senior men’s 10km.
“I thank God for this victory and my coach Alden Muhoni for training me. It was a tough course, but that’s cross country. When I saw myself leading in the first lap, I just decided to keep going,” said Katakura.
“We start preparing for the World Cross Country now so that we also get a good result and a good time.
“It is going to be my first major competition. I am just happy because I wasn’t expecting to win this race.”
Midlands’ Tatenda Hove was second in 32 minutes 33.26 seconds and Tendai Zimuto placed third in 32 minutes 58.31 seconds.
In the senior women’s 10km Harare’s Caroline Mhandu was first in 39 minutes 58.44 seconds.
Her teammate Melody Kaseke came in on second place in 40 minutes 48.06 seconds and Answer Tasara, representing Masvingo, was third in 41 minutes 21.99 seconds.
Mhandu conceded it was a tough day on the course but was happy to have won the race.
“Firstly, I want to thank God for this opportunity. The course was tough, so I thank God for the strength that kept me going and I was able to compete and win.
“It was hot, the terrain was tough. The competition was tough and I believe it was just my day.
“I also want to thank my coach, Collen Makaza. He had done a lot for me to be where I am now.
“I also want to thank the Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service for the support and allowing me to be part of these events,” said Mhandu.
The Under-20 men 8km was won by Shelton Ncube from Matabeleland South in 29 minutes 06.81 seconds.
Ratidzo Mutepfe from Midlands emerged tops in the Under-20 women’s 6km in 24 minutes 31.69 seconds.
Besides the two main categories — the seniors and juniors (Under-20), as part of development the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe included races for Under-12s, Under-16s and Undr-18s.
There was also a 2km race for men and women above 40.
National competitions director Manuel Mpofu said for now they are looking at sending the senior men’s and women’s winners for the World Cross Country but if they get more sponsorship, they are hoping to send more athletes.
“Going forward now, I am sure we are going to send number one from senior men and number one from senior women to America.
“Those are definitely going. If there’s another sponsorship coming up, then number two and number three, they might also be sponsored to travel,” said Mpofu.
Soon after the cross country, the national association honoured top performers for the season during the 2025 Excellence Awards.
Sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu was crowned the overall Athlete of the Year to cap off an impressive season. He was represented by his father Richard Makarawu.
He also walked away with Male Senior Athlete of the Year award ahead of fellow sprinter Makanakaishe Charamba and marathon runner Isaac Mpofu.
The United States-based athlete had one of his best seasons on track including a seventh-place finish in the men’s 200m at the World Athletics Championships in Japan a few months ago.
Ashley Miller walked away with the Female Senior Athlete of the Year award ahead of Vimbayi Maisvorewa and Fortunate Chidzivo.
Peter Tanyanyiwa