adminwere looking forward to a bigger and better event.
This is the second year the race is running after a seven-year break from 2004 to 2011.
“Preparations are going on well, people are registering both in Mutare and Harare. We will only get to know how many have registered by tomorrow.
“So far indications are that it’s going to be massive. The event will be actually used by NAAZ (National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe) to select people to represent the country in some marathon races.
“We used to sponsor this event. We started in 1995 up to 2004 and then we took a break, given what was happening in the economy, but we revived it last year.
“Last year people had sort of forgotten about the race but they came in numbers, so this year we think the numbers will triple,” said Garayi.
Garayi said athletes should expect better prizes but could not reveal the actual money prize for the winners.
“We have increased the (total) prize money.
“Last year it was slightly above US$8 000 and this year it’s about US$10 000, although we have increased the races.
“Anyone who is going to beat the record set by the defending champion will get an additional US$200 both in the men and women’s categories.
“We have also invited tertiary education participants in the 10km race from Manicaland. This is the first time we are going to have the tertiaries,” he said.
Online Reporter