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Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MOSES Tarakinyu is confident of a positive result as he returns for this year’s edition of the Old Mutual Vumba Half Marathon in the Eastern Highlands tomorrow.
Tarakinyu missed last year’s event as he was competing in another race in South Africa.
But the 29-year-old warmed up for tomorrow’s race when he participated in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in South Africa, where he finished ninth last Sunday. He confirmed he is going to be part of the field.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Tarakinyu said he is in good shape to compete.
“It was on our end of year plans, so we just have to enjoy the mountain run.
“I just need to be in the top five, so that I will have some small amount of money to use during my marathon recovery. I know every day is a new day and depending on how my body reacts on Sunday, if it allows me, I can win the race,” said Tarakinyu.
The winners for both men and women will get US$1 000. Second and third place will receive US$700 and US$500 respectively. He won the race in 2022 in 1 hour 9 minutes 34 seconds.
The 29-year-old is aware of the competition he is up against with the likes of Wellington Varevi and defending champion Blessing Waison expected to grace the race.
“Obviously there are some big names there on Sunday. The likes of (Wellington) Varevi, (Tendai) Zimuto, (Blessing) Waison and (Wayne) Kabondo, so the race is going to be tough,” said Tarakinyu.
Mr Pace Athletics Club coach Collen Makaza is hopeful of his athletes Wayne Kabondo, to take part in the men’s category and Miriam Sibanda in the women’s section.
“Wayne is just coming from the Durban Hollywood 10km race and he performed very well. He set his personal best and season time over 10km, posting a time of 28 minutes 54 seconds.
“So, he is in form to perform his level best at the Vumba Half Marathon. l am expecting a podium finish, top three.
“It’s’ the same for Miriam Sibanda, I am expecting her to also finish in the top three.
“We have been training for the race for the past two months. We did everything we could to make sure they are fit,” said Makaza.
Besides the half marathon which is the main event, there is also the 10km and the 5km races on offer.
Manicaland Athletics Board chairperson Joshua Matume, during the week, said they are expecting between 1 000 and 1 200 participants for this year’s edition.
Online Reporter