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Raymond Jaravaza
IT’S that time of the year again when top athletes from across the country take to the heart of the Matopos National Park for a run of their lives to be crowned champions of the PPC Matopos 33-Miler (53km) ultra marathon.
The annual race is set for 6 April.
With just a week left before the race, registration has begun with a number of top athletes confirming participation at this year’s event.
According to Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) chairman Manuel Mpofu, last year’s winners Andrew Chimbidzikai (senior men) of Black Rhinos Athletics Club and Chiedza Chokore (senior women) will be part of the long distance event.
Lyno Muchena, who won the race in 2017, Tendai Zimuto and Wellington Varevi in the men’s section, are all in line to compete as well as female runners Bertha Chikanga and Rudo Mhonderwa.
Registration fees have been increased.
Athletes taking part in the 33-Miler will pay RTGS$25 up from RTGS$10.
For those that intend to take part in the half marathon (21km) the registration fees have been pegged at RTGS$20 up from half that amount last year.
Fitness and wellness enthusiasts wishing to take part in the 10km and 5km fun run and walk will fork out RTGS$10.
There is also a category for wheelchair athletes.
This year’s prize money has been trebled from last year’s RTGS$16 100 to a whopping RTGS$48 300.
derick.khumalo