Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
VETERANS Moses Tarakinyu and Fortunate Chidzivo continued with their dominance of middle- and long-distance events when they emerged victorious at the Zimpost Mr Pace Half Marathon held at Alexandra Sports Club in Harare yesterday.
Tarakinyu, who was the favourite, crossed the finish line in 59 minutes and 36 seconds, outperforming last year’s winner, Wayne Kabondo, who finished second in 1 hour and 13 minutes.
There was an international flavour to the race, with Kenyan athlete Isaac Langat competing and finishing in third place.
Chidzivo, who has previously represented Zimbabwe at the World Athletics Championships, won the women’s category, finishing in 1 hour and 10 seconds, narrowly beating Caroline Mhandu, who came in second in 1 hour, 12 seconds.
Miriam Sibanda took third place in the women’s category.
For their efforts, the winners received US$700 each, with those in second, third, fourth and fifth positions earning US$400, US$300, US$200 and US$150, respectively.
Tarakinyu expressed his delight at winning, revealing that he had done some intense training in the build-up to the race.
He is also eyeing more successes in the road races during the 2025 season.
“I was really prepared for this race and during the event, l managed to spread from the people when approaching the three-kilometre mark.
“I’m so excited to have won because we had defending champions, foreigners from Kenya and the competition was tough.
“I’m looking forward to upcoming marathons and I want to thank the sponsors for their support. The prize money attracts elite runners, therefore, more races,” said Tarakinyu.
Global Risk Underwriting Managers (GRUMA) managing director Muwengwa Marumahoko said the fourth edition of the race was a great improvement, which had given them a fresh impetus ahead of more competitions.
Meanwhile, over 130 Zimbabwean athletes are scheduled to join a host of international runners who will take to the road for the annual Comrades Marathon in South Africa this morning.
Zimbabwe have athletes like Sikhumbuzo Mlotshwa, Irvin Kakungwa, Kudzai Pasipanodya, Kairos Sibanda, Tatenda Chitsike and Jotina Mukaro looking forward to taking part in the famous endurance race.
