Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga, ellina.mhlanga @zimpapers.co.zw
ZIMBABWE’S top marathon runner Isaac Mpofu says there is need to step up his act after missing his target of finishing in the top 10 at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon yesterday in South Africa.
Mpofu managed 12th place in 2 hours 10 minutes 27 seconds in a race that featured a world class field.
The race was won by Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa in 2 hours 4 minutes 55 seconds, shattering the previous course record set by compatriot Abdisa Tola in 2024 of 2 hours 8 minutes 16 seconds.
Esa was followed by countryman Yihunilign Adane, who clinched second place in 2 hours 4 minutes 59 seconds.
Kalipus Lomwai from Kenya crossed the finish line third with a time of 2 hours 5 minutes 26 seconds.
Going into the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, which was his first major race this year, Mpofu had hoped for a top 10 finish but managed to place 12th instead.
“It was my first (major race), and a good experience, enjoying with young fellows.
“I think with the times that are being run, there is a need to step up as the level now is high and beyond imagination,” said Mpofu.
“I am happy with my time, taking it nice and easy allowing my body to recover, hopeful for better one coming end of season or next year.”
The race also featured revered marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge, and he finished 16th in 2 hours 13 minutes 29 seconds.
For the Kenyan marathon great, the race marked the start of his World Tour, as he seeks to complete seven marathons across the continents.
The initiative is designed to inspire communities and unite the world through running.
For Mpofu, it was his third meeting with Kipchoge.
“I am happy to have run with him for the third time now, and he is an inspiration to most of us runners,” said Mpofu.
With the World Athletics Championships scheduled for next year in September, Mpofu has indicated he is taking it one step at a time.
And for now, his focus is on getting that extra cheque to support his family.
“No targets at all, grabbing something to support my family is the key now more than anything else. So, I get back, recover, and start hunting again,” said Mpofu.
In the women’s section, Fortunate Chidzivo finished 10th in 2 hours 42 minutes 09 seconds in a race that was dominated by Ethiopians who claimed the top three spots.
Posting on her Facebook page after the race, Chidzivo said; “Finishing top 10 at Cape Town marathon after a horrible weekend it’s a win for me.
“I got robbed on my way to the airport and my passport was gone with the stolen handbag I spent the whole (of) Friday running up and down trying to get a new passport, a job well-done to Makombe passport officers they made sure I got my passport within six hours after receiving a letter from NAAZ requesting for emergency passport.
“Shout out to everyone who put hands on (deck) to make sure I arrived in CT (Cape Town) Saturday morning,” reads part of the post.
Dera Dida Yami romped to victory in 2 hours 23 minutes 18 seconds.
She was followed by Mestawut Fikir with a time of 2 hour 23 minutes 46 seconds while Waganesh Amare clocked 2 hours 23 minutes 57 seconds to place third.Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Ends
