dyton mupawaenda
Ellina Mhlanga-Senior Sports Reporter
LONG distance runner Moses Tarakinyu says he is looking forward to the first event of the year when he takes part in the Harare Athletic Board cross country this weekend at Allan Wilson School.
The season opener event is due to take place this Sunday with participants competing in the 4km, 6km and 8km races.
There is also a 1km race on offer for kids athletics, who will be part of the cadets category. The other categories will feature youth, juniors and seniors.
Tarakinyu, who had a fruitful season in 2023, winning several half marathon races including the Econet Victoria Falls half marathon confirmed his participation.
“I am targeting this cross country event because the season is just starting. I am looking forward to participating in the event. These cross country events are important for strength especially as the season is just starting.
“I am not expecting much because the season is just starting and most athletes use it to assess their fitness and preparations for the season. But I am going to take part in the event,” said Tarakinyu.
Tarakinyu said he is hoping at run his first marathon this season as he graduates from half marathon and is likely to take up a few races so that he prepares his main goal for the year.
“This year I am hoping to run my first marathon, so I have to compete in all cross country events as part of my preparations
“I am targeting to run, maybe the Durban City marathon if all goes well, so that’s my expectation this year.
“On other races, I am targeting Kazungula half marathon in February, then the 10,000m event on 27 January at the National Sports Stadium. I think this time around I have few events due to marathon preparations,” said Tarakinyu.
Seasoned runner Jonathan Chinyoka is also set to be part of Sunday’s competition as he prepares for Two Oceans marathon.
“We are in camp for Two Oceans marathon, so this cross country event is important for my preparations. Last season it really helped with my preparations.
“It helps to assess fitness and measure how much progress I have made and the areas I still need to work on,” said Chinyoka.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service athlete is also scheduled to compete in the Old Mutual Harare marathon in February.
“This year I am specialising in specific races, it’s important to set specific targets and go for those. So I have Two Oceans but before that, I am running the Old Mutual marathon here as part of my preparations. That will give me an insight on my fitness for Two Oceans, the 56km race.
HAB vice-chairperson Aaron Whyte said since Sunday’s event is the first for the season and with athletes coming from a break, they have adjusted the distances.
“Being a season opener we are not going to do standard distances, we are going to do conditioning distances while we prepare for our selection event, a month after that,” said Whyte.
Registration for the event closes tomorrow.
Online Reporter