Chronicle Editor
Ray Bande, Senior Reporter
BLACK Rhinos long distance runner Moses Tarakinyu and his female counterpart Fortunate Chidziva are this year’s Old Mutual Vumba half-marathon winners.
Tarakinyu completed the 21km race in one hour, nine minutes, 15 seconds.
In winning the 2024 edition of the race, battle hardened Tarakinyu also broke his own record, set back in 2022.
In second position was Kenyan Isaac Langcet, who crossed the finishing line in one hour nine minutes, 52 seconds while last year’s winner Blessing Waison settled for third position after crossing the finishing line in one hour, 11 minutes, and 36 seconds
In the ladies’ category, Chidziva romped home in one hour, 26 minutes and 23 seconds to win the tightly contested 21km race.
Caroline Mhandu came second after finishing the race in one hour, 29 minutes, and 27 seconds, while Phillipa Dube settled for third position after completing the race in one hour, 30 minutes, and 11 seconds.
In his prize presentation speech, National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) Tendai Tagara thanked the sponsors of the event Old Mutual for sparing resources for promotion of athletics.
Tagara, who was re-elected as the leader of Naaz in Gweru on Saturday, said they are happy with the performance of athletes representing the country in international competitions.
“We really want to thank Old Mutual for their support. It is a commendable gesture that goes a long way in improving the standards of the sport. After having been our partner for the past 11 years, we still look forward to many more years of a healthy working relationship with our sponsors — Old Mutual.
“This is one of the major reasons we are performing very well in global and regional competitions as a country. We all know how our representatives performed well in the recent Olympics in Paris. These achievements are a product of such events like the one we are having here,” said Tagara.
Old Mutual Group Customers Operations Officer Isiah Mashinya emphasised his company’s commitment to health and wellness in communities around the country.
Mashinya said the event’s significance goes beyond just being a mountain run.
“Congratulations to each and every one of the participants of this event. Your energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to health and wellness are truly inspiring. It is uplifting to see how the Vumba Marathon is becoming a meeting point for runners from diverse backgrounds. The Vumba Marathon’s significance goes beyond just being a race as it embodies our brand promise to unify our communities and create a better future for all,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter