Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TOP Zimbabwe distance runners Isaac Mpofu and Fortunate Chidzivo are this Sunday set to line-up for the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon that has attracted a star-studded field headlined by double Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge.
After being struck off due to adverse weather conditions last year, the marathon is back in Cape Town, South Africa, and a closer look at the profiles of the participants suggests that it has not lost its glamour.
Kipchoge is already in South Africa, having arrived in the country on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe has good representation in national record holder Mpofu and Chidzivo, who is one of the few leading female marathon runners.
Interestingly, for Mpofu it will be his third time running alongside the seasoned Kipchoge.
Mpofu is eager to make his mark and acknowledged that Kipchoge’s presence is extra motivation for the athletes.
“For Kipchoge being here, it’s good because it has attracted many athletes to come this side and race with him,” said Mpofu.
“He is a big name on the start list of Cape Town. Surely, I think the competition will be a little bit tough, as everyone will be here trying to race with him.
“So, I think it’s on our side, it’s on my side also to try to step up my game so that I can be with them until the finish line.”
With the World Championships scheduled for next year in September, Mpofu said his focus will be on making the top 10, not necessarily the time.
“I tried to prepare well. I will try to run my best.
“I don’t have much targets this time, I will just run, focusing on finishing well and focusing on the top 10.
“I think it will be good if I finish in the top 10.
“I am not worried about time, there is still time.
“This year there are no World Championships, so I think there is still enough period to qualify for the World Championships because they are next year in September.
“I am taking it nice and easy, focusing on each competition as it comes,” Mpofu said.
His first encounter with Kipchoge on course was in 2023 at the Boston Marathon in the United States.
Their second meeting was to come a year later when they raced at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France.
However, it was all gloom in Paris for the revered runner as he dropped out just after the 30km mark.
Prior to the Paris Games, Kipchoge had etched his name in Olympic history, winning back-to-back gold medals at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games in marathon.
Chidzivo is convinced of the work she has put in her preparations for Sunday’s race and is hoping for a personal best.
“All went well, picking few niggles during tapping time but nothing serious. It has been a fruitful season so far.
“My legs are always not happy to race marathons, so I am going to take it one step, one mile at a time till I hit the finish line.
“If my body responds well, I am looking at a personal best,” said Chidzivo.
Chidzivo has participated in several races, mainly focusing on half marathon as part of her build-up for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
On the local scene she managed top finishes at the Old Mutual Harare Marathon and CBZ Marathon early in the year.
She also took part in Nyaradzo Marathon, competing in the 10km race.
Last month she placed second at the Two Oceans Half Marathon with a time of 1 hour 16 minutes 29 seconds.
The seasoned runner is looking forward to racing against some of the best.
“This is the only moment to learn from the best, to see how I can become one, especially looking at how they execute their races,” Chidzivo said.
