Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S athletics leadership has welcomed the decision to award Nairobi the 2029 World Athletics Championships, describing it as a landmark development for the continent.
Kenya will become the first African country to stage the global showpiece after Nairobi was selected ahead of other bidders, including London.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president Tendai Tagara welcomed the development on the sidelines of the Zimpost Mr Pace Half Marathon held at Alexander Sports Club in Harare.
“The World Championships are coming to Africa for the first time, and Kenya have proved beyond doubt that they can host such a massive competition,” said Tagara.
“This is a major event which costs more than US$100 million to stage, but Kenya have shown that they have the capacity.
“They successfully hosted the World Under-18 Championships and the World Under-20 Championships. Whenever Kenya hosts major African competitions, the stadia are full, with some spectators even left outside.”
Tagara said Kenya’s selection was fitting recognition of the East African country’s contribution to global athletics, particularly in middle and long-distance events.
“Kenya is home to some of the world’s greatest athletes. The country has helped put athletics where it is today through the production of outstanding marathon and middle-distance runners, as well as world champions,” he said.
“Kenya deserves this opportunity, and Africa deserves the chance to host the championships.”
He added that staging the competition on the continent would benefit Zimbabwean athletes by reducing travel costs and providing easier access to facilities.
Meanwhile, Andrew Dick and Melody Kaseke were crowned the men’s and women’s champions at the Zimpost Mr Pace Half Marathon.
Dick crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 1 minute, and 46 seconds, ahead of Godwin Kalakula, who clocked 1:02:29. Blessing Waison completed the podium in 1:03:52.
Kaseke won the women’s race in 1:15:38, narrowly beating Caroline Mhandu, who finished in 1:16:09. Fortunate Chidzivo claimed third position in 1:17:17.
“This is a great motivation, and I look forward to continuing to work hard and improving my times,” said Dick.
“The race was tough because everyone wanted to win, but I am grateful that I managed to keep pushing until the end.”
Samson Muroiwa won the men’s 21km wheelchair race in 1:15:04, followed by Previous Wiri in 1:15:29 and Crispen Mberewere in 1:57:57.
Veteran Margaret Bangajena claimed the women’s wheelchair title in 1:08:00, while Molline Muza finished second in 1:12:11.
The well-subscribed event received support from Zimpost, Gruma and Nicoz Diamond.
Gruma representative Muvengwa Marumahoko hailed the race as a success and expressed optimism that it would grow further next year.
“We are pleased with the success of the event and happy to have partnered Zimpost, Mr Pace and the other stakeholders,” Marumahoko said.
Nicoz Diamond representative David Nyabadza also praised the athletes for their performances and commended the organisers and sponsors for delivering a successful event.
