Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
OWEN Slowly retained his Moonlight Pink Ribbons Hope Half Marathon title after edging Kenya’s Isaac Langat by just one second at Falcon Golf Club in Harare on Saturday. Slowly crossed the finish line in one hour, 11 minutes and eight seconds, with Langat right behind him in 1:11:09.
Arthur Chitara completed the men’s 21km podium in 1:17:10.
Slowly said retaining the title against a competitive field made the victory special. “I am happy with the win. It is not easy to win back-to-back titles, especially in Zimbabwe, because there are many good runners,” he said. The Moonlight Half Marathon is important to us as athletes because it gives us a platform to prepare for other competitions.”
Ethel Pangiso also retained her women’s 21km title, completing a hat-trick of victories at the event.
Pangiso, who has dominated the race since its inception, finished ahead of Caroline Mhandu and Miriam Sibanda.
“I am delighted. It was a tough race with a very strong field that included Caroline Mhandu and Miriam Sibanda,” Pangiso said.
“This is my third time winning the event and I would like to thank Moonlight for organising such a competition.”
Melody Kaseke won the women’s 10km race, while Martin Matsapa claimed the men’s title. The third edition of the cancer-awareness and fundraising event attracted more than 1 000 athletes.
The event also raised funds and awareness for organisations supporting people affected by cancer.
Moonlight Holdings chief executive Chomi Makina said the turnout showed growing support for the initiative.
“We are happy with the turnout. More than 1 000 athletes participated, which shows that people are supporting the cause,” Makina said.
“The purpose of this run is to support cancer organisations. We are also supporting children affected by cancer.”
Proceeds from the event will go towards organisations involved in cancer care.
