Race preps gather pace

The race is slated for December 18 and will this year start at Town House and end at Chitungwiza Town Centre.
Mr Pace club manager, Wonder Choto, said preparations are underway and they have invited athletes from South Africa and Rwanda for this year’s edition.
“Preparations are at an advanced stage, we have already started registration and so far more than 100 athletes have registered for the race.

“The athletes are still coming in for registration, our deadline is December 17 and there is no late registration.
“We are hoping to attract foreign athletes, we have invited participants from South Africa and Rwanda,” said Choto.
Choto said they have replaced the 10km race, which caters for schoolchildren, with a 5km race in an effort to involve more children in their event.

“We used to have a 10km race but we wanted to lure more school children so we decided to replace it with the 5km event.
“We are currently working with schools within Chitungwiza and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee for the 13-15 athletics programme.
“The participation of these young athletes will boost the numbers for our event,” said Choto.

The manager said they were looking forward to a better and bigger event this year as they stage the third edition of the race, which was introduced in 2009.
“We are expecting a real good and exciting competition.

“We urge the corporate world to come on board and support the race because at the moment we do not have a permanent sponsor but so far our event has been running so well,” Choto said.
Some of the athletes expected to take part in the event are Collen Makaza, Samukeliso Moyo and the Chokore sisters – Lizzie and Chiedza.
Gilbert Mutandiro is the defending champion in the men’s category while top female middle-distance runner Sharon Tavengwa is the title holder for the women’s section.