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Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
The Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) Zimbabwe Matopos 33 Miler Ultra-Marathon is on this Sunday. Endurance and consistency will separate boys from men when the long distance runners battle it out to dethrone champion, Michael Ngaaseke. The competition is sponsored to the tune of $10,200 with the winners pocketing $750 in both the men and women’s categories in the 53km race.
There will be four events, the main ultra-marathon, half marathon, a relay (5 runners by 10km each) and 5km fun run.
The main event, the 53km race, will start at Matopos National Park in the heart of the Matobo Hills at 5.30AM along with relays for the 33-mile relays.
The half marathon and wheelchair race will start at 7.00AM while the 5km fun or walk will start at 8.00AM at Founders High School.
Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) secretary-general Dailes Bingadadi said the stage is set for one of the biggest events on the local athletics calendar.
“We had our last meeting today to finalise everything and I am happy to say that all is set for the weekend event. All top athletes have confirmed their participation including some based in South Africa,” said Bingadadi.
Among some of the expected road runners are veteran Nkosiyazi Sibanda, Samkeliso Moyo, Rutendo Nyahora, Wimirai Juwawo, Wellington Varevi and last year’s winner Ngaaseke.
Matabeleland South road runner Sibanda said he is ready for the competition and confirmed that he would take part in the 21km event. “I have been training hard and I am confident I will do well. Iam looking forwad to winning like everybody else. I will be taking part in the 21km race because I want to prepare for the ZITF Coke Four-Minute Challenge,” said Sibanda.
Black Rhinos athletics coach Sherperd Moyo said he had faith in his uniformed forces team which he said will on Sunday win the top prize.
The team has last year’s runner-up Andrew Chindikai and Bemura Alfred in the 33 Miler. They also have Blessing Topouzi and Herbert Marufu in the half-marathon. “All our athletes have improved their times and I am therefore positive they will win. Andrew came second in the last edition and now he is looking even sharper.
Marufu will also be targeting the 21km race,” said Moyo.
Most athletes will use the event to prepare for the Comrades Marathon that will be held in South Africa in two months time.
Bingadadi said plans were underway to restore the most prestigious ultra-marathon status as the qualifier for the famous KwaZulu-Natal competition.
“We have forwarded all requirements needed, now IAAF will have to send an international course marker from South Africa since this will become an internationally recognised event,” she said.
Winners of the 21km race will pocket $500, Wheelchairs category will take home $300 while masters class and relay team will get $250 and $200 respectively.
Entry fee is $10 per runner in the 33 Miler and half marathon, $5 fun run and $50 per relay team (5 runners).
Among past winners of the race are Sikhohlisiwe Mpofu, Paul Jele, Collin Sweetman and Themba Phulu.
Online Reporter