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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
KELVIN PANGISO of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services is this year’s Old Mutual Westgate half-marathon champion.
Running as if on oiled wheels, Pangiso romped home in 1 hour 3 minutes 52seconds to claim the title previously held by Olympian Wirimai Juwawo.
The 33-year-old middle and long-distance runner, who spent more than three months on the sidelines after injuring his right leg, was excited as he said he did not expect to win yesterday’s race.
“The race was well organised but it was tough in terms of competition. All the champions from 21km and 10km races were here.
“It’s not easy to come back especially with the time I spent without running. I did not have the confidence and I wasn’t expecting to win. I just came hoping to complete the course and I can’t believe I have won.
“When we got to the 10km peg there were a number of us running together and that’s when I broke away aiming to finish in a better position.
“I am really happy and I think it was by God’s grace that I won,” said Pangiso. For his efforts, Pangiso walked away US$3 000 richer.
Lewis Masunda came second in one hour 4 minutes 45 seconds followed by Cutbert Nyasango who completed the race in 1 hour 5 minutes. Masunda and Nyasango pocketed US$1 500 and US$1 000 respectively
Juwawo finished fourth in one hour 5 minutes 44 seconds and got US$750 for his sweat.
Constance Nyasango crossed the finish line in one hour 17 minutes 28 seconds in the women’s category to beat last year’s winner Rutendo Nyahora who came second in one hour 18 minutes. Constance Nyasango went home US$3 000 richer.
The 23-year-old, who is sister to Cuthbert, was ecstatic at winning the race as it turned out to be a family affair with her sister-in-law Faith Nyasango settling for third place in one hour 19 minutes 17 seconds.
“The race was tough from the start because Olivia and Rutendo were really running well. There was competition and I am happy to win the race. I am happy my sister-in-law and brother finished in the top three,” said Constance.
Nyahora got US$1 500 for coming second and it was an early birthday present for her as she turns 25 today and she was impressed with her performance despite failing to defend her title.
“The race was fine, I don’t have any complaints. I am happy with my performance. I am turning 25 tomorrow (today) and I am going for shopping with my daughter.
“I had a problem from 8km after I pulled a muscle but I am happy with everything. The route was okay and their water points were well organised.
“The competition was not that tough. After pulling my muscle I was thinking of pulling out of the race but I decided to keep on going and from 16km I just said let me push more and I finished second. The people I competed with are the same people who participated last year so there was nothing new,” said Nyahora.
Elford Moyo consolidated his status as Zimbabwe’s top wheelchair runner when he retained his title in 1 hour 3minutes 52seconds.
He was followed by Samson Muroyiwa in 1hour 4minutes 45seconds while Munyaradzi Katiyo claimed third place in 1hour 23minutes 37seconds.
In the women’s section, Margaret Bangajena scooped the title in 1hour 37minutes 4seconds.
Winners in both men and women’s wheelchair categories walked away with US$1 200 while the first runner-up got US$1 000.
Brighton Chipere was the winner in the men’s Veterans section, coming home first in 1hour 10minutes 12 seconds. Clever Bangwani came second in 1hour 16minutes 46seconds and Alec Banda was third in 1hour 20minutes 28seconds.
Tabitha Tsatsa clinched the women’s title in 1hour 31minutes 1second. She was followed home by Samukeliso Moyo in 1hour 37minutes 4seconds while Miriam Choga settled for third place in 1hour 41minutes 50seconds.
The 10km race title went to Wellington Varevi who covered the distance in 30minutes 59seconds. Isaac Mpofu came second in 31minutes 7seconds while Blessing Waison was third in 31minutes 28seconds.
In the women’s category, Sithulisiwe Zhou was crowned the champion in 37minutes 56seconds while Nyasha Derera followed home in 38minutes 27seconds. Nokukwosi Chuma finished third in 39minutes 51seconds.
Winners in the Veterans section and 10km race got US$200.
Online Reporter