adminChinyoka, is among the pre-race favourites who have confirmed their participation as the nation celebrates the life and works of the late Vice President, national hero and liberation icon who passed on in 2003.
Other seasoned athletes who have confirmed participation include, Nkosiyazi Sibanda, Kelvin Pangiso, Cuthbert Nyasango, Samuel Pasanza, George Majaji and Gilbert “Cronos” Mutandiro.
In the women’s section Constance Nyasango, who won the last edition in 1hr 20 minutes 34 seconds, is expected to battle it out with the likes of Muchaneta, who came second last time around. The other hardened athletes who are expected to fight out for the first prize money of $2 500are Rutendo Nyahora, Oliver Chitate, Faith Nyasango and Olivier Chitate.
National Athletics Associations of Zimbabwe president Joseph Mungwari has challenged Zimbabweans to turn out their hundreds for this annual event.
“People should come in their hundreds because this race is an important event on our athletics calendar and it would be used as a selection event for the annual Angola New Year’s Eve race.
“It is important to us because over the years it has been held consistently and has proved an integral part of our athletics in terms of technical development and coaching. Above all it celebrates the life of an icon, our late Vice President and national hero Dr Muzenda,” said Mungwari.
As part of the proceedings, participants at this year will be treated to nightlong musical extravaganza on the eve of the event, which has been christened the “Mzee Bira”, according the chairman of the organising committee Titus Madzingo.
“We appeal to all participants to be in Gutu at least by 10pm on Friday. We do not see the reason why they should come late as food and accommodation is provided free. Food will be served until 10pm. Athletes should travel safely and come early so that we give the officials time to rest after registration as they will also be on duty the following day capturing the results,” said Madzingo.
“We expect a tough and exciting race and most of the SA-based athletes, who have been starved of competition, have confirmed their participation,” added Madzingo.
The race has been sponsored to the tune of $100 000 by the Muzenda family and well-wishers.
The winner (both men and women) would pocket $2 500 while the second and third placed will get $1 500 and $1 000 respectively.
Athletes will battle it out in the Under-13/14 boys and girls 5km race, Under-20 boys and girls 10km race, above 20 men and women’s 21 km race and the 4×5 km relay. As usual, there will be prizes for local athletes who will get home first.
Madzingo confirmed that most of the country’s celebrated runners had confirmed participation in the race and that it was all systems go.
Online Reporter