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Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
ONLINE registration for the 2016 edition of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon has closed, the organisers have said. The number of entries could not be readily ascertained, with organisers saying they were still compiling details after the June 16 deadline. The race is on July 3. “Please note that our online entries for the Victoria Falls Marathon 2016 are now closed. We are not accepting anymore pre-registrations,” read a statement from Wild Frontiers, on behalf of the giant mobile operator.
Late entries will, however, be accepted on July 1 and 2. “You can still enter, but you need to bring your registration form and payment to the Kingdom Hotel on July 1 between 10AM and 5PM or July 2 between 10AM and 5PM,” said the organisers.
The annual event comprises the 42.2KM marathon, 21.2KM half marathon and 7.5KM fun run. Participants will be required to collect their bibs a day before the event. Athletes must be over the age of 21 to enter the 42KM race and above 18 for the 21KM race.
Athletes will briefly cross the Victoria Falls Bridge into Zambia and back into the Zambezi National Park before finishing at Victoria Falls Primary School. The annual event is registered with the Association of International Marathon and Distance Races and is staged in conjunction with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe.
It provides a platform for local and international runners to pit themselves against the best, through landscapes. Veteran Blanket Mine runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda has dominated the event, winning an four consecutive occasions. Last year, he romped home in a time of 2 hours 19 minutes 12 seconds to clinch his fourth straight title.
derick.khumalo