Mabhunu wins Gutu Half-Marathon

Phineas Mukwazo in Gutu
ZIMBABWE Republic Police runner Elijah Mabhunu emphatically won the men’s race at the 13th edition of the Simon Muzenda Gutu Half Marathon clocking one hour 05 minutes 11 seconds.

Just as it was in the men’s race, defending champion Rutendo Nyahora running as an independent cast a lone figure as she strolled home with no challengers in sight to win the women’s race in one hour 17 minutes 32.90 seconds.

However, for the second year running there were no takers for the Mercedes Benz ML3.2 that was on offer for the athlete who completed the race in 52 minutes. The world record for Half-Marathon held by Zersenay Tadese is 58 minutes 23 seconds.

The widow of the late Vice-President Maud Muzenda who was at the start of the race as early as 5:30AM was impressed with the proceedings of the day.

The man behind the race and the late Vice-President’s son Tongai Muzenda was also impressed.

The race arguably the best on the Naaz calendar in terms of attendance and prizes is meant to uplift the work of the late Vice-President Dr Muzenda in his effort to “promote sport in the rural areas in a sustainable way.” There was a foreign touch at this year’s edition with the notable presence of Karen Chepkwenoi from Uganda who finished among the top 10 in women’s race.

Results

21km

Men: 1. Elijah Mabhunu (ZRP, one hour 05 minutes 00 seconds), 2. Jacob Mugomeri (Zimpost , one hour 06 minutes 17.90 seconds), 3. Nkosiyazi Sibanda (Blanket Mine, one hour 07 minutes 17.88 seconds)

Women: 1. Rutendo Nyahora (Independent, one hour 16 minutes 32.90 seconds), 2. Constance Nyasango (Kuwadzana, one hour 20 minutes 14.77 seconds), 3. Chiedza Chokore (Independent, one hour 21 minutes 22.35 seconds)

10km

Men: 1. Tendai Zimuto (Kuwadzana, 31 minutes 36.29 seconds), 2. Moses Tarakinyu (Independent, 31 minutes 49.50 seconds), 3. Richmond Tinorwa (Independent, 33 minutes 49.20 seconds)

Women: 1. Carol Mhandu (Independent, 39 minutes 19.50 seconds), 2. Marian Pfumbidzai (Independent, 41 minutes 19.40 seconds), 3. Anna Bhungu (Chabs, 41 minutes 37.58 seconds)