adminBlessing Malinganiza
ZIMBABWE middle-distance runner, Royal Mabika, is set to run the Dubai Marathon this weekend.
The Marathon will be held in Palm Jumeirah in Dubai with more than 10 000 athletes from around the world battling for the US$200 000 prize money.
Mabika will take part in the 10km race and hopes to win the US$50 000 first prize.
He will be hoping to clock qualifying times for the Olympics and World Championships
“I have been preparing well for this race because there is a lot at stake. Besides the prize money, I’m want to run qualifying times for the World Championships and Olympic Games.
“There is going to be stiff competition because athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia and other established athletics countries are going to participate.
“But it motivates me to compete against some of the best athletes in the world because I want to be an inspiration to young athletes in the country.
“I’m positive that I can run fast times because the weather conditions are conducive and I need to start my season on a positive to ensure that I qualify to represent my country at the Olympic Games and World Championships,” he said.
The Dubai Marathon is one of the biggest athletics events in the Middle East. It brings together elite athletes from around the world after a two-year break due to the pandemic.
Elite athletes due to take part in the marathon include Ethiopian star and former champion, Tsegaye Mekonnen Asefa.
In the women’s field, Ethiopian elites Ruti Aga, Gutemi Shone and Gelete Burka are all set to join the Middle East’s biggest marathon.
Online Reporter