adminHARARE-based athletes Cuthbert Nyasango and Rutendo Nyahora will this morning defend their crowns at the Old Mutual-bankrolled Nkulumane Mall Fun Run.
Nyasango was the first male runner to the cross the line last year in the 10km run with Nyahora the winner in the females’ main race. The two took home $1 000 each, the same prize money at this year’s edition.
Other high profile runners who will take to the road today are Jacob Mugomeri, Isaac Mpofu, Margaret Mahohoma, Samukeliso Moyo, Nkosiyazi Sibanda, Tawanda Matunhu, Blessmore Chidziva and Elijah Mabhunu.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairperson Manuel Mpofu said the registration which closed yesterday had gone smoothly with the number of participants expected to surpass those from last year. Last year, 507 took part in the fun run.
“This year we are expecting more participants, we advertised through schools so most of them are participating, even clubs from outside Bulawayo are sending their athletes,’’ said Mpofu.
Registration, which was being done for free, closed last Friday at the Old Mutual offices located in the city centre and yesterday afternoon at the Nkulumane Shopping Mall with the race scheduled to commence at 6:30 this morning.
Speaking at a Press conference to launch the event at a city hotel on Tuesday, Old Mutual Life Assurance Company southern region manager Margaret Vera pointed out that the purpose of holding the Nkulumane Mall Fun Run was to promote well being and fun as well as increasing awareness about Nkulumane Shopping Mall, which has abundant secure parking.
“Our partners at the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe and the Bulawayo Athletics Board have been of great help and are forthcoming in preparing for what is set to be a successful event. Our hope remains that the event will grow bigger and better in the years to come,’’ said Vera.
Resuscitated in 2012, the race is sanctioned by NAAZ through BAB and will be run under the International Associations of Athletics Federations rules and regulations.
Besides the professional runners, the disabled, veterans, masters, mistresses, grandmasters, grand masters, grand mistress and school children are all catered for in the race.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter