Takudzwa Chitsiga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
NATIONAL Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president Tendayi Tagara has hailed this year’s edition of the NetOne Comrades Marathon achievement awards held in Harare recently.
The awards saw several athletes being rewarded for their efforts, with Nobukosi Tshuma making history by becoming the first woman to make a podium finish at the ultra-marathon in South Africa.
Also to be honoured was Peter Tumbare and veteran Steven Muzhingi, among several others.
Tagara has called on more players to come on board and support in celebrating the athletes’ achievements.
“As an association, we are very glad to have such events taking place.
“We are honouring our athletes who are running outside the country and making history by breaking their own personal best records on an international stage.
“Zimbabwe has been leaving a mark in terms of achievements, as we have past winners in Muzhingi who won three times and has as many podium finishes.
“In the last 10 years, we have been doing well, and we proved that we are there and we are performing well.
“I want to thank the organisers and all their partners for the honour of inviting us as an association.
“This platform gives athletes an opportunity to shine, and it attracts more participants, especially those based in South Africa who make up the huge number of participants.
“I think these initiatives help attract more players who are taking an interest in ultra-marathon running,” said Tagara.
Tagara believes having more than 30 athletes coming to the podium and get rewarded in events that attracts such big numbers is a plus for the country.
“It’s a very good indication because if you look at the comrades’ marathon, it is a global event that attracts big names and they pay a lot of money.
“We really appreciate the awards as a country, and we hope to see a lot of them taking place again,” said Tagara.
