Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
OWEN Slowly and Ethel Pangiso claimed the men’s and women’s titles at the third edition of the Moonlight Pink Ribbons Hope Half Marathon and Charity Run held at Falcon Golf Club in Harare on Saturday.
The cancer-awareness and fund-raising event attracted more than 1,000 athletes as it continued to establish itself on Zimbabwe’s road-running calendar. Slowly successfully defended his men’s 21km title after crossing the finish line in one hour, 11 minutes and eight seconds. Kenyan runner Isaac Langat finished just one second behind in 1:11:09, while Arthur Chitara completed the 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.”
Pangiso won the women’s race ahead of Caroline Mhandu and Miriam Sibanda.
The victory completed a hat-trick for Pangiso, who has dominated the event since its inception.
“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. Beyond the competition, the event raised funds and awareness for organisations supporting people affected by cancer.
Moonlight Holdings chief executive, Chomi Makina, said the growing turnout demonstrated increasing public support for cancer-awareness initiatives. “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.”
Makina said proceeds from the event would assist organisations involved in cancer care, adding that the company intended to stage a bigger race next year.
