Over 600 athletes take part in Binga Marathon

Fairness Moyana in Binga
THE fourth edition of the Binga Kasambabezi Marathon roared into life yesterday with over 600 participants amid calls to raise awareness on human-wildlife conflict.

The event was sponsored by AFC Holdings and World Wildlife Fund with support from other partners that include International Anti-poaching Foundation, Zimparks and the Environment Management Agency.

Last year, the race did not take place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the marathon chairperson, Recent Ncube, this year’s edition sought to raise awareness on human-wildlife conflict.

“This year we have 600 participants drawn from across the whole country. Our theme this year is mitigating human-wildlife conflict where we are raising awareness. This is why we have partners such as Zimparks, World Wildlife Fund and International Anti-poaching Foundation among others,” said Ncube.

Clubs such as Black Rhinos, Zimplats, Run-mates and Hillside Teachers College featured their teams.

Notably, the marathon broke the record for having the most number of women and girls participating.

The annual event saw Persons with Disabilities battling it out in the 5km and 10km races. Chonzyo Munkuli (12) brushed away stiff competition from the adults to win the 5km race under the girls’ category while Moleen Majoni walked away with US$50 after winning the 10km wheelchair race.

In the men’s 42km race, Calvin Pangiso of ZRP Harare clocked one hour and six minutes to grab gold while his female counterpart from Bulawayo, Faith Sanyika won with three hours 15 minutes. They both walked away with US$300.

Muchaneta Gwata of Black Rhinos scooped a gold medal and prize money of US$170 with club mate, Moses Tarakinya also coming first in the men’s 21km. Binga ZRP’s Isaac Mpofu finished second.