Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR Moses Tarakinyu, there is no time to rest as he is set to return to action this month at the Nelson Mandela Marathon in South Africa.
Fresh from the BMW Berlin Marathon, where he registered a new personal best of 2 hours 8 minutes 26 seconds, Tarakinyu is up for the Nelson Mandela Marathon on October 18 in Cape Town.
He is among the elite athletes expected to grace the event targeting 20 000 runners across the marathon, 21km, 10km and 5km races.
Tarakinyu will compete under Nedbank Running Club, who are catering for his expenses to take part at the race.
“I am just going, not expecting much.
“I am running for position not chasing time or anything exceptional this time around.
“I feel proud to be considered for this race. It’s the first time its being held, and being on the elite list is something I am proud of, that’s why I am going,” said Tarakinyu.
The race takes place less than a month after the Zimbabwean runner participated at the Berlin Marathon.
“According to my programme, I would have recovered and good to go for the race.
“However, I am not chasing something like a PB but I am targeting top five,” said Tarakinyu.
Fortunate Chidzivo is set to race in the women’s category.
She is also competing under Nedbank Running Club. Chidzivo has competed in several local races this year.
She also took part at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in May and clocked 2 hours 42 minutes 09 seconds.
Chidzivo is looking at lowering her time to 2 hours 40 minutes.
“I am coming from an injury so I am just going to try and use my experience.
“I don’t know how far my experience will take me but I am also aiming for a podium finish.
“I haven’t really done training for this marathon.
‘‘I have just been going to different races, I didn’t have a block to specifically say I am preparing for this race. But I am banking on my experience.
“Also, when I saw the start list with me being one of the fastest elite runners, it gave me some confidence.
“So, I am just praying for my legs to give me 2:40. I am not aiming for anything high, just 2:40 I will be happy,” Chidzivo said.
She added:
“World Championships is out of the question right now, maybe I will try Olympics next year.
“With the injuries that I have picked this season I am behind time because I will have to train for a race that will take place between December this year and April next year.
“So, for now I need to recover, get back to training fully not forcing my body because I might end up picking more injuries.”
