Chronicle Editor
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
REGISTRATION for this year’s PPC Matopos Ultra Marathon has opened, with entries being accepted only online this year.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman, Manuel Mpofu said close to 1 000 athletes have already registered for the race as they took advantage of a discount for early registration.
Those who registered in February forked out $200 for the 21km and 53km races but the fee has gone up by $50 while those who want to take part in the 5km and 10km fun runs paid $125 in February and the amount has increased by $25.
“We are restricting registration to the online portal this year as we aim to up our standards to international events of a similar nature. The race is a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon and they only accept online entries so we also want those taking part to get used to such formalities.
“Those who registered in February got a discount and I am glad just over 1 000 athletes took advantage to register and judging by the excitement around the race in the running community we can see close to 4 000 runners taking part in the event,” said Mpofu.
Last year 3 500 athletes took part in the race which has grown in stature over the years since it made a return eight years ago with PPC Zimbabwe being the main sponsor. Mpofu said there is heightened interest in the race as they have been getting enquiries from runners all over the country in places such as Victoria Falls, Bindura, Mutare, Beitbridge and Gweru.
He said registration will close on 3 April, a day before the race, adding they will be in a position to assist those with difficulties in terms of online registration. Prizes for this year’s race are being finalised and will be unveiled later on this month.
Last year Black Rhinos athlete, Andrew Chimbidzikai walked away with $3 000 while second-placed Nkosiyazi Sibanda of Blanket Mine took home $2 250 and Peter Tumbare, who is with the Air Force of Zimbabwe, was rewarded $1 500 for coming third.
Chimbidzikai won the race for the second consecutive year crossing the finish line in three hours 12 minutes 22 seconds.
In the women’s section, Nedbank’s Chiedza Chokore also retained the title she had won in 2018 crossing the finishing line in three hours 57 minutes 17 seconds, Muchaneta Gwata was a distant second in four hours 22 minutes and 53 seconds and Monica Kativhu came in third in a time of four hours 24 minutes 06 seconds.
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