‘Screen Mzee Half Marathon live’

Phineas Mukwazo, Sports Editor
AS the nation braces for the 20th edition of the Dr Simon Vengai Muzenda Gutu Half Marathon which comes alive in Gutu, Masvingo Province this morning, the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe has challenged authorities at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation to screen the milestone event live, at least in future.

“It is a very important event not only on our athletics calendar, but for the nation. It is high time it was beamed live by ZBC. It is an important event, a good measure for a half marathon,’’ said NAAZ president Tendai Tagara.

“What makes it so special is not only that it was started by our national hero, but it is still running and it’s in honour of the Soul of the Nation. We are in a new dispensation which is headlined by Zim Asset. This is the opportune time to promote the rural aspect of sports development. And the Simon Muzenda Marathon and other rural best sports programmes should be given that due limelight.’’

For the umpteenth time, the winner at this year’s event has been offered another chance to walk away with a Mercedes Benz in addition to the $2 500 prize money.

The event will also be graced by almost the entire National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe top brass, after NAAZ chose the iconic event to stage their annual general meeting in Gutu, a gesture that has been hailed as befitting the stature of the race founded by the late Zimbabwe Vice-President Simon Muzenda.

The event is meant to uplift the works of the late VP, whose wish when inaugurating the race 20 years ago was to “promote sports in the rural areas in a sustainable manner.’’

It has over the years grown to be arguably one of the biggest affairs on the national athletics calendar in terms of monetary rewards, attendance, as well as providing a variety of races and prizes that have included bicycles, and farming implements.

The race has continued to grow in leaps and bounds and last year it attracted foreign participation.

“It’s now official the half marathon is on this Sunday (today). Some top athletes have already registered for the event, numerous schools country wide are so keen to come and be part of this national event. It will be thrills galore,’’ said Titus Madzingo, the spokesperson of the organisers.

“Through the interest shown so far by the athletes, indications are that we might surpass last year’s number which stood at 1 456,’’ said added Madzingo, adding that they (race organisers) had maintained last year’s prizes, with an additional incentive for the athletes being free accommodation.

The winners of both the men’s and women’s 21km races will pocket $2 500, while the second and third placed runners will leave Gutu

$2 000, and $1 500 richer respectively.

“We will cater for their (athletes) accommodation. However, we urge them to bring their own favourite bib numbers. The loc is not going to supply athletes with bibs this time as before,’’ he said.

Among the high profile athletes who had confirmed participation where defending champions Elijah Mabhunu (men), and Rutendi Nyahora, who only last weekend, won the 10km race at the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon, as well as last year’s runners-up in the main event, Jacob Mugomeri, Nkosiyazi Sibanda (men); Constance Nyasango, Chiedza Chokore women.

This year’s edition will see Muzenda family being the principal sponsors, as well as the traditional well-wishers with the aid of some well wishers as has been the norm, said Madzingo.

The race categories will include the main event the 21km, which is open to all), as well as relays over the same distance. They will also be the Under-20s both boys and girls category (10km), Under-13 (5km).

“The Benz (ML 3.2) is still up for grabs but one should come home in 58 minutes for men, and 68 minutes for women to drive off with the vehicle,’’ said Madzingo.

However, that would appear to be a tall order for local athletes as only top athletes in the world have run that time.

Meanwhile, the NAAZ top brass converged on Gutu for their annual general meeting yesterday prior to the marathon this morning. On the agenda were progress reports from both the national executive as well as the provincial boards, who were expected to come up with proposals for next season.

Also tabled for discussions were the calendar for the next athletics season, preparatory plans for next year’s international events such as the world junior championships, the African Games, the senior African Championships set for Durban, South Africa next July and disciplinary issues to do with some athletes who attended this year’s African Games.