Mr Pace Zimpost half-marathon hailed

Takudzwa Chitsiga

Sports Reporter

THE second edition of the Mr Pace Zimpost half-marathon held at National Sports Stadium B Arena at the weekend has been hailed as a huge success.

The 21km half marathon saw over 500 athletes taking part and veterans Elijah Mabhunu and Olivia Chitate emerged winners.

The event returned bigger this year and with a massive turnout after main sponsors Nicoz Diamond and Global Risk Underwriting Managers (Gruma) poured US$10 000 into the competition.

Held in partnership with Mr Pace Athletics Club, this year’s competition was held under the theme: Fighting drug abuse through sport.

One of the organisers Collen Makaza said he was excited the race is growing in leaps in bounds.“I am happy with the response we received from the athletes and officials who made the race a success. We had several top athletes who did very well and we are looking forward to hold the same race next year.

“The races went on well and we managed to have some good times from the athletes,” said Makaza.

Gruma official Brian Nyanyiwa was delighted with his organisation’s involvement in the event.

“We have been working with Zimpost for many years. The Post Insurance brand was launched about five years ago. So we are trying to nurture talent and plough back the premiums that we collect from the community while we uplift the lives of the less privileged.

“As you can see the race included the disabled people, youth, men and women. So we brought in diversity so that we drive the goal that we have to nurture talent,” he said.