Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FRESH off a fifth place finish in his comeback race, Isaac Mpofu is set to test his recovery this Sunday at the Victoria Falls Marathon, determined to gauge his readiness for the World Championships in Tokyo.
He made a promising return to competition last week, finishing fifth at the Tanganda Half Marathon in 1 hour 5 minutes.
This Sunday, he’ll step up to the full 42.195km marathon in Victoria Falls, using the race as both a performance benchmark and a physical check-in.
“This race is very important for me. I want to see how well I have recovered and whether I am on track for Tokyo in September,” said Mpofu.
The veteran athlete, who represented Zimbabwe at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, was forced to miss several local events earlier this year due to the lingering hip problem.
It kept him out of full training for weeks and cast doubt over his season.
But the solid performance at Tanganda has given him momentum.
“This race is about my body, my rhythm and getting back into race shape,” he said.
Organisers expect a strong turnout again this year.
The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, now in its 18th year, offers a range of events, including a full marathon, a 21.1km half marathon, a 21km relay, and a 7km fun run.
It runs under the theme “Road2Victory, Asambeni MaLegends” and continues to attract elite and amateur athletes from around the world.
Last year, more than 5,000 runners from 31 countries took part.
For Mpofu, this weekend is less about podium places and more about how his body responds to the strain of a full marathon distance.
It’s a crucial step on his road back to international competition.
He’s not the only Zimbabwean athlete bound for Tokyo.
Fellow long-distance runner Tendai Zimuto has also qualified for the World Championships, earning his spot through World Rankings.
It will be Zimuto’s debut appearance at the event.
Mpofu, who’s already competed at the highest level, including the Olympics stage, will bring valuable experience to the Zimbabwean team.
He and Zimuto will join sprinters Tapiwanashe Makarawu, Makanakaishe Charamba, and quarter miler Vimbayi Maisvorewa in Japan.
