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Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
ATHLETES and running enthusiasts have been urged to register early for the annual PPC Matopos 33-Miler Ultra Marathon that is scheduled early next month.
Registration opened a fortnight ago with runners having the option of filling in physical entry forms or online on the PPC website.
Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) chairman, Manuel Mpofu said they are anticipating this year’s entries to surpass last year’s record turnout.
“On our part it is easier if people come early to register, particularly for planning purposes. It will enable us to organise a smooth race.
“With the huge numbers we are looking at gracing the race it would be smoother if runners register early. There is online registration and various payment methods for the convenience of the athletes,” he said.
The race will be held on 6 April and has seen an increase in registration fees this year with the main 53km race entry fee being pegged at $25 up from $10 which was charged last year.
Half-marathon (21,1km) runners will fork out $20 up from $10 while the 10km and 5km fun runs are pegged at $15 and $10 respectively.
Last year the race attracted a record 2 500 runners athletes with the bulk of participants competing in the 10km and 5km events.
Mpofu said they are still finalising the money prizes for this year’s race and are set to be revealed in a fortnight.
Last year Black Rhinos Athletics Club runner Andrew Chimbidzai won the tightly contested men’s 33-miler after pipping Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine by five seconds to the finishing line. Chimbidzai completed the race in three hours 12 minutes 23 seconds, while Sibanda crossed the finish line in three hours 12 minutes 28 seconds. In the women’s section, Chiedza Chikore was first in four hours nine minutes and 10 seconds, followed by Muchaneta Gwata, who completed the race 44 seconds later.
The winners in both categories each got $1 000, with the runners-up pocketing $750.
The race has grown in popularity over the years and a huge number of fitness enthusiasts taking part in the 5km fun run and Zumba sessions that are done as part of warm down after the race.
The engagement of timing South African company, ChampionChip Africa to time the 21km and 53km races has cemented the race status as a qualifier for the prestigious Comrades Marathon.
Online Reporter