Muzhingi urges runners to shine at City marathon

local long distance runners an opportunity to showcase their talent here.
Muzhingi was appointed the ambassador of the race by XHIBI-IT Events Management Company (Pvt) Ltd and will also be taking part.
The inaugural Sunshine City marathon is set for July 17 and is expected to attract foreign athletes. Muzhingi said it was good that sponsors are now coming on board to support long-distance runners.
“I happy that at least we now have people in Zimbabwe sponsoring a marathon.
“In the past we have had sponsors supporting middle-distance runners and, as long distance runners, we had to travel outside the country for competitions.
“Marathon runners can now showcase their talent locally and prove themselves.
“If we can at least have five such marathon we can make a living in our own country because athletes are going outside the country searching for greener pastures,” said Muzhingi.
Muzhingi said he will be using the race to prepare for his upcoming races in Switzerland and the United States in September and November respectively.
“I have been resting since the Comrades marathon and I just want to assess myself after I started training last week.
“If I get into the top 10 I will be happy because I need to rest for at least four months so I will just be preparing myself. I was invited for the 19th Jungfrau 42km marathon in Switzerland in September and in November I will be going for the New York race,” said Muzhingi.
XHIBI-IT events management company executive, Rebecca Gambiza, said they were expecting 5 000 athletes and have extended the registration period to July 14.
“We are targeting 5 000 athletes and we have extended the deadline for registration to July 14.
“Most of the top athletes in the country have registered for the race and we are inviting more people to come and participate.
“We also have international athletes coming. The athletes are overwhelmed because this is the first time we are having such a marathon in the country.
“We are ready to host the event and we have a course marker, Norrie Williamson from South Africa who is coming to verify our course,” said Gambiza.
The event will also see participants taking part in a 5km and 21 km race.
Some of the local athletes that are expected to compete include Mike Fokorani, Collen Makaza, Marko Mambo, Sharon Tavengwa and Samukeliso Moyo while several athletes from Namibia and Kenya have also shown interest in the race.