Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TOP Zimbabwean marathon runner Isaac Mpofu reckons the presence of former world marathon record-holder Eliud Kipchoge, at this year’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in May is a big motivation for many athletes including him.
The veteran Kenyan marathon runner this week announced he will be on the start line for the race pencilled in for May 24.
For Mpofu, this is going to be his third time running alongside the Kenyan legend.
And he has made no secret of his excitement in once again competing against one of the globe’s best long-distance runners.
Mpofu’s 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 the Olympic history, winning back-to-back gold medals at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games in marathon.
Mpofu knows that having Kipchoge at the start line lands weight on any competition.
“It’s a big motivation to many athletes,’’ Mpofu said.
“A pull factor to many athletes as they will want to see and race with him.
“He is a legend, and I am happy I will be on the starting line with him for the third time. I just hope and pray for a good day,” said Mpofu.
The Zimbabwean national record holder is already in training for the race, which is going to be his first major for this year.
He has done two marathons, the Old Mutual Harare Marathon and FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon, as part of his build-up to the showdown with Kipchoge and other top runners set to grace the Cape Town marathon.
Mpofu is looking forward to taking on the challenge and says: “With his announcement I think the race is now marketed and surely it will attract more good athletes, to make it a big competitive race.
“But no pressure at all. It’s going to be another race as usual. The pressure is on training, to prepare well and have the fitness for the big day.”
According to the Cape Town Marathon website, for Kipchoge the marathon will serve as the opening chapter of Eliud’s Running World, a series of seven marathons across the continents designed to inspire communities and unite the world through running.
“Africa is where my journey as a runner began and where the foundation of my success is deeply rooted,” said Kipchoge.
“To start this World Tour in Cape Town is very special. It is about celebrating the strength of African running and inspiring the next generation.
“To race my first ever marathon on the African continent holds deep meaning for me. I cannot wait!”
More than 27 000 marathon runners are expected to be part of the field on race day.
