Innocent Kurira [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S marathon record holder Isaac Mpofu is prioritising recovery while maintaining a low-key training programme as he begins planning for another demanding season in 2027.
The experienced long-distance runner is taking a measured approach, giving his body time to recover from the rigours of international competition while keeping himself active ahead of his next campaign.
“I am focusing on my recovery at the moment. I am training and keeping things low-key as I plan for events next year,” Mpofu said.
Having represented Zimbabwe at the Olympic Games and several World Athletics Championships, Mpofu understands the importance of getting his preparations right before committing himself to another demanding marathon season.
“At this stage, recovery is very important. You cannot rush things because marathon running requires a lot from the body. I want to make sure that I am in the right condition before I start pushing myself again,” he said.
At 38, Mpofu has built an impressive international record, highlighted by a sixth-place finish at the 2024 Boston Marathon, where he clocked 2:08:17, and a top-10 finish at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
He also finished 12th at the Cape Town Marathon in May 2026, recording 2:10:27 in a competitive field that included legendary Kenyan distance runner Eliud Kipchoge.
Mpofu holds Zimbabwe’s national marathon record of two hours, six minutes and 48 seconds, set at the Valencia Marathon in Spain in December 2022.
The record remains a significant benchmark in Zimbabwean distance running, underlining the standards Mpofu has set during a career that has seen him compete against some of the world’s finest marathoners.
Despite his achievements, the veteran runner is not resting on his laurels and remains determined to continue competing on the international stage.
“I still have the desire to compete and represent my country. I am taking things step by step, and once I am satisfied with my recovery, I will look at the events that are suitable for me next year,” he said. Beyond his competitive ambitions, Mpofu has also begun preparing for life beyond elite competition.
He has undertaken World Athletics coaching courses, with plans to use his experience and knowledge to help nurture the next generation of Zimbabwean distance runners.
His interest in coaching is partly informed by his own journey and the challenges he encountered, particularly the importance of having a stable support system throughout an athlete’s career.
“I have learnt a lot throughout my career, and I believe there is a lot I can give back to athletics. I want to help young athletes and share the experience I have gained so that they can have a better foundation,” he said.
For now, Mpofu’s immediate priorities remain recovery, maintaining his training routine and carefully mapping out his next competitive steps.
The Zimbabwean record holder will be hoping that this quieter period provides the foundation for another strong campaign when he returns to the international stage next year.
