derick.khumalo
Nkosilathi Sibanda
NICHOLAS Mugomori and Annie Chirisa stole the limelight at the Zimbabwe School of Mines Marathon held at Khumalo Hockey Stadium on Sunday, pacing up the road to win the men’s and women’s 42km races respectively.
Representing Odyssey, Mugomori completed the grueling 42km Masters Men’s race in two hours, 34 minutes and 58 seconds to take first place ahead of BTM’s Trymore Mahachi, who finished second in two hours, 47 minutes.
In the Veteran Women’s 42km race, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) athlete Annie Chirisa crossed the finish line in three hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds to claim top honours, comfortably ahead of Fitness First’s Helen Kufahakutizwi, who finished second in three hours, 53 minutes and 17 seconds.
The 21km men’s race attracted a competitive field, with Blanket Mine athlete Mthokozisi Mhlanga emerging victorious after clocking one hour, seven minutes and 38 seconds.
Isaac Langati of Mr Pace finished second in one hour, 10 minutes and 48 seconds, while Israel Muoimba of White Lion completed the podium in one hour, 16 minutes and 28 seconds. Blanket Mine’s Thabo Mapfumo came fourth in one hour, 16 minutes and 70 seconds, while Super Stars runner Mlilo Denford rounded off the top five in one hour, 18 minutes and 77 seconds.
In the women’s 21km race, Black Rhinos dominated through Angela Moyo, who claimed first place in one hour, 33 minutes and 47 seconds.
ZRP’s Ethel Pangisa was second in one hour, 36 minutes and one second, while fellow ZRP athlete Thobile Ncube finished third in one hour, 36 minutes and 27 seconds. Black Rhinos’ Tatenda Chichangane came fourth in one hour, 44 minutes and 41 seconds, with teammate Shalom Nzvimbo taking fifth place in one hour, 45 minutes and three seconds.
The wheelchair men’s 21km event also produced exciting competition, with Racers’ Elford Moyo taking victory in 54 minutes and 15 seconds.
His teammate Crispen Mperewere finished second in 55 minutes and 30 seconds, while Independent’s Goodknows Dziripi claimed third place in 55 minutes and 50 seconds. Nyasha Mharakurwa of Independent came fourth in 55 minutes and 54 seconds, while Samson Muroyiwa of Goromonzi completed the top five in one hour, five minutes and 50 seconds.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman Watson Madanyika praised the Zimbabwe School of Mines for its continued investment in athletics, saying the institution was playing a key role in nurturing talent while promoting healthy living in the community.
“We are grateful to the Zimbabwe School of Mines for consistently supporting athletics in Bulawayo. Such events provide athletes with an opportunity to compete while also encouraging members of the public to embrace fitness and healthy lifestyles. This marathon is not just about competition; it is also about championing wellness within our communities,” said Madanyika.
He said partnerships between educational institutions and athletics administrators were critical in ensuring the continued growth of road running and the discovery of new talent.
The marathon attracted athletes from clubs across the country, including Blanket Mine, Black Rhinos, ZRP, Racers, White Lion, Mr Pace, Odyssey, Fitness First and Independent, with competitors battling for honours across various categories in one of Bulawayo’s growing road-running events.
