Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
OLD Mutual Vumba half marathon defending champion Moses Tarakinyu is hoping to retain his title when he takes to the starting line for this year’s edition this weekend.
The annual event is on this Sunday, with the 10km and 5km races also on the programme for the day.
Tarakinyu confirmed his availability for the competition he won last year.
“Preparations have been going well. Basing on the work we have put in, I am prepared for the event and if everything goes well on the day I think I can win the title again,” said Tarakinyu.
The Black Rhinos Athletics Club runner has a good record at Vumba having won the 2022 and 2024 editions.
He missed the 2023 event. But on his return to the race last year, Tarakinyu romped to victory in 1 hour 9 minutes 15 seconds.
“I have been training for some time now since I am also aiming to compete at the National Cross Country in Bindura in November. That’s my main focus.
“And I have been working towards both events.
“We have been working on tough courses and focusing on gym work because Vumba is a tough course, it’s a mountain run. And cross country is always tough.
“But if I don’t pick an injury between now and the races, based on the preparations I have had, I am hoping to win the cross country event as well,” said Tarakinyu.
It promises to be an exciting event with some of the leading distance runners expected to be part of the event.
Reigning champion in the women’s category Fortunate Chidzivo is also looking at defending her title. She posted a time of 1 hour 26 minutes 23 seconds.
Mr Pace Athletics Club have indicated they will be fielding some of their top athletes who include Wayne Kabondo, Isaac Langat and Patrick Koskei in the men’s category.
Miriam Sibanda and Caroline Mhandu join Chidzivo in the women’s section.
For 10km they will be represented by Peter Tauzeni.
The club’s coach Collen Makaza said they are going for both the men and women’s titles.
“Our target is to win the race. As Mr Pace we are leading in the ladies at the moment. We are looking forward to win.
“I think it will be a close contest between Chidzivo and Mhandu. They are both fit and anything can happen on the day.
“For the men I think Isaac Langat stands a good chance. Last year he led the race from the start but lost in the last kilometre.
Langat finished second behind Tarakinyu last year. It was the same story for Mhandu against Chidzivo.
