Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) president Tendai Tagara has commended Harare Athletics Board chairman Aaron Whyte for attaining a marathon route marker’s qualification.
He becomes the first Zimbabwean to attain that certification.
He is eligible to mark routes for cross country and marathons at national level.
Naaz has expressed pride in Whyte’s accomplishment which will see local races gain in value and attract international athletes as they will be certified.
“We celebrate Coach Whyte not just for his outstanding journey but for elevating Zimbabwean athletics into global technical standards,” said Tagara under whom over 2 500 coaches and technical officials have been trained in the country.
Zimbabwe has seen its profile rise with remarkable results on the international scene led by record breakers Isaac Mpofu (marathon) and sprinters Ashley Miller (hurdles), Makanakaishe Charamba, Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Vimbai Maisvoreva (sprinters).
Charamba and Makarawu hold the fastest world indoor 200m time of the year of 20,13 seconds.
The training of local coaches has seen improved coaching standards and competitions run professionally.
Whyte’s achievement will save local competition organisers wishing to have their courses certified money as they will not seek certification outside the country.
Whyte’s achievement was confirmed by World Athletics Road Running Manager Benjamin Roux.
The Zimbabwean completed a course on the subject in Namibia last year.
“This is not a personal achievement — this is for Zimbabwe. It means our country now has an officially certified specialist who can ensure our races meet global standards. I’m deeply honoured, and this motivates me to serve our nation and continent,” said Whyte.
His accomplishment is at Grade C level and he is expected to progress to the next stage which is Grade B which may see him mark major races worldwide.
What the certification means.
His certification will ensure Zimbabwe’s 10km, Half Marathon and Marathons meet distance accuracy which is a pre-requisite for world record recognition and international athlete participation.
Whyte is an accomplished sports scientist, coach and former elite runner with over two decades of participation in sports in various capacities including coaching and administration.
He is expected to participate in the Africa Running Conference 2026 in Lagos, where he will be eligible for Grade B level advancement and accreditation.
His brief resume
MSc Physiology (Biomechanics & Kinetics)
BSc Sports Science (Physical Education & Sport)
World Athletics Specialist Coach Certificate
Advanced Sports Administration & Sports Medicine Diplomas
PC Engineering, Strength & Conditioning, Fitness, Marketing
Athletic Highlights
Kariba Half Marathon record holder – 1:02:00
Victoria Falls Marathon – 2:22:00
10km – 28:33 | 5km – 13:57 | 4km – 11:25
Two Oceans Marathon – 3:22:00
