Spanish flavour at Tanganda race

Nkosilathi Sibanda

LOCAL marathons are attracting a host of runners from other countries, with the latest being a couple of sprinters from Spain who have shown interest in taking part in one of the country’s prestigious races, the Tanganda Half-Marathon.

Tanganda Tea Company operations manager Farai Garayi said this was going to be the biggest race ever and the overwhelming interest from athletes from the region and beyond was a sign that the race was growing.

“We have received inquiries from people around the region and some from Spain who want to come and compete.”

Although he could not be drawn to confirm the number of foreign athletes eager to participate, Garayi said there were more coming in from neighbouring countries.

It has been noted that since 2012, when the race was relaunched on the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe calendar, the lure of the Eastern Highlands has been the main attraction to most runners.

One of the senior race administrators Tsitsi Kumadiro concurred that this year they expected the number to swell.

“It promises to be more than just an athletics event. The Tanganda Half-Marathon is turning to be Zimbabwe’s most admired race with its mix of individuals.”

The 21-kilometre contest which is set for the morning of August 29 in the mountainous Mutare terrain will feature top athletes among them Zimbabwe’s representatives at this year’s All Africa Games, Munyaradzi Jari and Caroline Mhandu.

Both runners will also later in the year, compete in the grand International Athletics Associations Federation (IAAF) World Championships in Qatar. They are expected to post their best times as they use the Tanganda marathon as a test pedal for their finishing times.

In an interview, Jari said he was up to the task to make honours in Mutare at the weekend.

“I will be running at the Tanganda Half Marathon. Honestly, in all my years as a runner, I have come to enjoy this race because it has moulded my career. I have made good contacts and use the race for preparations.

“This year, I will see to it that I finish in record time as I prepare for the All Africa Games and IAAF World Championships,” he said.