Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ISAAC MPOFU stood tall in his home province after storming to victory in the Kamandama Marathon — a gruelling 42,2km test that carried more than sporting weight for the people of Matabeleland North.
He dominated the road in Hwange on Sunday as Hwange Colliery backed the annual race, held in memory of the 1972 mining disaster that claimed 427 lives. The route started and finished at Hwange Stadium and took athletes all the way to the Kamandama Plaque, a stretch steeped in history and emotion.
Mpofu delivered a new course record that sets the benchmark for every runner who follows. He crossed the line in 2 hours 16 minutes 44 seconds, pocketing US$4 500 for the win.
Fresh from his national cross-country triumph in Bindura two weeks ago, Godwin Katakura pushed hard and finished second in 2:17:17, while Ugandan Julius Ochieng claimed third in 2:17:32.
Blessing Waison secured fourth in 2:19:29, and Jonathan Chinyoka rounded out the top five.
In the women’s race, Kenyan Jacinta Chepkoech took top honours in 2:48:41. Zimbabwe’s Fortunate Chidzivo thrilled the home crowd with a strong second-place finish in 2:50:05, while Kenyan Florence Nyangiri came third in 2:53:55.
The Kamandama Marathon offered rich rewards: runners-up in both the men’s and women’s categories earned US$3 000, third place took home US$2 000, fourth US$1 500 and fifth, US$1 000.
