Nkulumane Complex Old Mutual Fun Run prizes stepped up

Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
ORGANISERS of the Nkulumane Complex Old Mutual 10km Fun Run have increased the sponsorship package for this year’s edition with the winner set to get a cool $1 000 compared to last year’s $600.
The prizemoney is likely to lure some of the country’s top athletes for the race set for Sunday.
In an interview from her Harare base, Old Mutual marketing consultant Tendai Muzorewa said preparations were at an advanced stage for the weekend event.

“The total prizemoney is $10 000, up from $6 900 in 2012. The winners in the main event, the 10km race, will get $1 000 each, with the second placed getting $750. For the wheelchair category, we will award $600 and $300 to the first and second place, respectively.
“Preparations are at an advanced stage with registration progressing well. We are expecting 500 athletes, including top notch runners, to participate,” said Muzorewa.

The 10km race categories are Open, wheelchair, veterans, masters, grand masters with juniors battling it out in the 5km race.
Olympian Wirimai Juwawo won last year’s edition of the Old Mutual 10km Fun Race after clocking 29 minutes 50 seconds and for his effort he took home $600.

Freda Rebecca Mine’s George Majaji, who was a threat to Juwawo, came home second in 30 minutes 06 seconds and won himself $400 while Elmore Sibanda was third in 30 minutes 12 seconds.

Jacob Mugomeri ran 31 minutes 03 seconds to claim fourth position while Trust Chademana settled for fifth position after crossing the line in 31 minutes 07 seconds.

In the women’s category, Rutendo Nyawora of Freda Rebecca Mine came first in 34 minutes 38 seconds beating a field that had last year’s Kujatana Nkubotu winner Constance Nyasango and veteran Tabitha Tsatsa.

Olivia Chitate was the first runner-up in 35 minutes 10 seconds, Nyasango came third in 36 minutes 30 seconds while Helen Chimudo finished fourth in 37 minutes 21 seconds.

Faith Nyasango finished fifth in 38 minutes.
Forty-year-old Tsatsa crossed the line in 39 minutes 26 seconds and won the veterans category prize.
Registration is free at Nkulumane Complex.

Muzorewa said they are working closely with the National Athletic Association of Zimbabwe through the Bulawayo Athletics Board to ensure the race is a success.

The Nkulumane Fun Run is the fourth event sponsored by Old Mutual this year, following the Old Mutual Rodger Brackley Marathon in March, the Old Mutual Vumba Mountain Run in October and Westgate Half Marathon in November.