adminPhineas Mukwazo in Gutu
A total of 759 athletes had by yesterday confirmed participation at the 13th edition of the late Dr Simon Muzenda Gutu Half Marathon which gets off the blocks this morning.
Titus Madzingo, spokesperson for the organising committee said 640 athletes had registered for the Under-20 men and women 10km race while 119 had come forward for the main race by yesterday morning.
“A total of 640 athletes have confirmed their participation in the Under-20 10km race and 119 have registered for the main race,” said Madzingo, adding that he expected more to have registered by late yesterday evening.
The race arguably the biggest on the National Athletes Association of Zimbabwe calendar in terms of attendance, number of races and variety of prizes, is meant to uplift the works of the late Vice-President Dr Muzenda in his efforts to “promote sport in the rural areas in a sustainable way.”
The race was inaugurated 19 years ago and is held in partnership with the Gutu sports development committees.
This morning the race, which will start at the late Vice-President’s homestead, Zvavahera, and end at Paradise Park Motel at Mpandawana Growth Point, will see athletes battle it out in the Under-13 boys/girls 5km race, above Under-20 men/women 21km, Under-20 men and women 10km, 4x5km relay and fun races.
The winner of both the men and women 20km race will pocket $2 500 while the second and third place winners will get $2 000 and $1 500 respectively. Some of the companies who have chipped in the staging of the race this year include Lobels, Mimosa Mine, ZB Bank, Agribank, Hyper Distributors, Gutu Town Council, and individuals.
Just as it was last year, the winner of the race has been afforded a chance to drive off in a Mercedes Benz ML 3.2 in addition to the $2 500 prize money.
However, the catch is that the victorious athlete should complete the 21km race in a demanding 52 min to drive off in the sleek wheels.
Last year, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services athlete Kelvin Phangiso came out first beating Lewis Masunda and Phathisa Ngwabi who were second and third respectively. The two had already confirmed participation this year.
In the women’s section, Rutendo Nyawora, Constance Nyatsango and Faith Nyatsango came first, second and third and they are also in Gutu this morning.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter