Marathon preparations gather pace

drawn several high-profile athletes who will take part in the 42.2km marathon and 5-km fun run.
The Mr Pace marathon began in 2009. Gilbert Mutandiro and Sharon Tavengwa are the defending champions.
The city-to-city race will see athletes starting off from the capital and completing the race at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza.
Mr Pace founder, Collin Makaza, is hopeful that the race will be bigger and better this year despite little support coming from the corporate world.
“This year the tournament is sponsored to the tune of US$2 260 and we are hopeful that we will have a competitive race.
“The event is held at the end of the year so that it attracts athletes who are based outside the country who would have come home for the festive holiday. We will have four categories which are seniors, veterans, masters and wheelchair races, in the marathon.
“The race has been termed the people’s race as it is the last on the calendar and is supposed to draw many participants but because the corporate world is not that forthcoming in supporting us, we are still struggling a bit,” said Makaza.
But others, like Betta Ball Sports, have come on board.
“We are very grateful to Betta Ball Sports who are our biggest sponsors this year.
“Together with Galaxy, Dairiboard they have stood by us to see the event became a success,” Makaza said.