Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE 2026 edition of the Tanganda Half Marathon will see more than 2 000 participants tackle the undulating Eastern Highlands terrain early on Sunday morning.
With the traditional finish at Mutare Sports Club, Manicaland Athletics Board chairman, Joshua Matume said preparations for the 2026 edition are complete.
Matume said: “Everything is now in place for the 2026 edition of the Tanganda Half Marathon. We have made all the necessary preparations, and the athletes are raring to go. We are grateful to our sponsors, Tanganda Tea Company who have remained steadfast and stood with us for this long.
“This is also a call for other corporates to emulate what Tanganda Tea Company is doing for the good of the community.”
Matume confirmed that 2 000 athletes have registered, and no changes have been made to the route.
“As it stands, no changes have been made to the route, and we are starting at 6am sharp. The starting and finishing point, as usual, is at Mutare Sports Club. 2 000 athletes have registered and confirmed their participation,” said Matume.
First prize for both men and women is US$800 per category, aligning with gender equity in sports remuneration.
It remains to be seen whether last year’s men’s 21km winner, Moses Tarakinyu, who clocked 1:03:13, will retain the title for a fourth consecutive edition.
The battle-hardened Black Rhinos Athletics Club long-distance runner won the main event for three consecutive editions.
Last year, Isaac Kiplagaat from Kenya and Godwin Katakura finished second and third respectively.
In the women’s category, Fortunate Chidzivo won the main event, while 2023 champion, Caroline Mhandu and Miriam Sibanda came second and third respectively.
Wayne Kabondo won last year’s men’s 10km race, while Previous Wiri dominated the men’s wheelchair 21km and Stellah Jongwe won the women’s wheelchair 21km.
Matume said most last year’s winners have confirmed their participation.
“It is gratifying to note that we have also retained participants from the previous editions, especially those that won the different events last year. It now remains to be seen whether they will be able to stand the heat with new athletes that are also coming in,” said Matume.
