adminThis was said by sponsor Nkululeko Sibanda on Saturday.
He said they were keen to continue sponsoring the 21 km race which attracts the best athletes in the country.
The decision to postpone the race from 22 September to October follows consultations with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe management.
“We consulted Naaz and they shared the same views with us that the race must attract the best as usual. What makes this year’s case peculiar is that Sharon Tavengwa, Wirimai Juwawo and Cuthbert Nyasango have done well in the event before. Nyasango is the defending champion in the men’s competition so we as sponsors want him there.
“We also got advice from athletics experts that after the August 2012 Olympics marathon, the athletes would need at least two months to recover. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the athletes will accept our invitations and run in the Peace Half Marathon,” said Sibanda.
The event has over the years attracted some of the country’s top marathon runners who have made a name for themselves in South Africa and overseas.
Last year Twalumba Foundation brought in a course marker from South Africa so that the event is accredited by the International Athletics Association of Federations. Almost a thousand athletes are expected to take part in the race which has several categories including 10km for juniors. To encourage local participation, the civic leadership is often involved in assembling athletes for the event with good prizes at the end of the day for the most outstanding locals.
The race is one of a few road races in the region and offers athletes an opportunity to gauge their levels of fitness ahead of the annual Soweto Marathon in Johannesburg held in November.
Online Reporter