admin
Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ELIJAH Mabhunu of the Zimbabwe Republic Police won this year’s Old Mutual Westgate Half marathon yesterday in Harare. Mabhunu crossed the finish line in 1hour 3minutes 25seconds to beat other top athletes such as Kelvin Pangiso, who came second in 1hour 4minutes 15seconds, in a tightly contested race with the top five athletes being separated by just a few seconds.
For his efforts, Mabhunu walked away $3 000 richer. The 25-year-old was impressed with his performance after scooping the top prize as he noted that it was a tough competition, with most top athletes taking part in the race. “The race was tough because all top athletes were here. Since the prize is high everyone wants to compete so the race was not easy but I was well prepared because last year I came second and this time I wanted to be number one.
“I had a good start from the starting point because I knew that I was fit. After three kilometres some of the guys reduced their speed but I maintained my speed until I crossed the finish line. “I am really happy because I have been improving and I am getting there. My performance keeps on encouraging me to hope for the best, such as competing at the Olympics and World Championships in the future,” said Mabhunu.
Misheck Mabheka came third in 1hour 4minutes 20seconds, followed by Munyaradzi Jari, who posted a time of 1hour 4minutes 36seconds. Lewis Masunda was fifth with a time of 1hour 4minutes 40seconds. Last year’s winner, Jacob Mugomeri was eighth. Rutendo Nyahora defended her title in the women’s category when she powered to the top spot in 1hour 15minutes 6seconds as she continued with her impressive performance.
Nyahora recently won the Pretoria Spar women 10km challenge in South Africa. She could not hide her joy after retaining the women’s title yesterday and attributed her success to hard work. She got $3 000.
“I am happy with my performance today. It’s like everything went according to my plan. It was not easy for me being a defending champion, I knew everyone’s eyes would be on me but I am so happy because I have been working hard since the beginning of this year focusing on my big races and this one is one of my big races. I was preparing for this since the beginning of the year and I am so happy with my time today. I am so happy to defend my title as well.
“I am waiting for the Gutu half marathon because I am the defending champion and Vumba marathon. “This year the competition was not that tough for me because the likes of Olivia Chitate and Constance Nyasango were not here,” said Nyahora.
More than 700 athletes took part in the event.
Online Reporter