Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THREE long-distance runners who began their careers in Mutare will line up for glory at the prestigious Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa.
The trio — Niveah Magazano, Lyno Muchena, and Blessing Waison — will be among thousands of athletes tackling the iconic race, which features a 56km ultramarathon and a 21km half-marathon staged annually in Cape Town. Traditionally held over Easter, this year’s edition takes place next weekend.
Dubbed “the world’s most beautiful marathon”, the Two Oceans attracts more than 30 000 participants across its events, with 11 000 to 14 000 runners attempting the gruelling 56km ultra.
Finishing in the top 10 of the open category earns athletes the coveted gold medal.
The ultra-marathon route is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, including the famous Chapman’s Peak coastal drive, making it South Africa’s biggest half marathon and one of the most celebrated endurance races worldwide.
Magazano, the 27-year-old long distance runner, started her career at a tender age while doing Grade Six at Masvaure Primary School in Marange, before completing her secondary education at Masvaure Secondary School in the same area.
Back then, in primary and secondary school, Magazano was an 800 and 1 500 metres expert.
Magazano said: “I am really hoping to perform well in the Two Oceans Marathon. This will be my first time participating in that race, and I really want to make an impact.
“I have done thorough preparations and I am confident that I will compete favourably. My immediate aim is to be among the Top 10 athletes at the end of the competition.”
The Marange-born long distance runner, who has since relocated to Hobhouse high-density suburb in Mutare where she now calls home, has participated in numerous races including the University of Botswana Marathon last year’s edition where she finished third.
The Nedbank Racing Club athlete, who is now based in Harare attained the same position when she competed in the Prince Mangosuthu Ultra Marathon in South Africa last year in April.
Another local athlete to compete in the Two Oceans Marathon, Muchena is also confident of clinching a Top 10 finish in this year’s edition of the competition.
Muchena said: “I have been working hard to make an impact in the Two Oceans Marathon. I wish to be, at least, in the Top 10 at the end of the competition.
“I have not had any race this year, but all the same, I have been preparing very well, and I am really confident of a polished performance.”
Muchena was last year’s winner of the University of Botswana Marathon, and settled for third position in the Kanshasi Marathon.
Muchena is no stranger to the Two Oceans Marathon terrain after competing in the same event on four occasions before, settling for sixth position in 2018, before ending on position 25 in the 2022 edition of the same event.
In 2024, he came out 10th before finishing on Position 12 in last year’s edition of the event when he participated with an injury.
On the other hand, Waison has risen to be one of the country’s top distance runners and is expected to run his first ultra-marathon contest when he takes part at the Two Oceans Marathon.
He has been working with his training partner, Godwin Katakura, who will also be in action in Germany chasing World Athletics Championships qualification.
