The PPC Matopos 33-Miler is back!

ZIMBABWE’S only ultra-marathon, the PPC Matopos 33-Miler, is making a comeback this year after a four-year break.

The event, which was last held in 2019, was postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19 and did not take place even after the pandemic ended.

The event had been a popular attraction for close to 3 000 athletes who participate in different categories.

The 53-km ultra-marathon begins inside the Matopo National Park and ends at Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC). The 21, 1km race starts just after Woolandale Road and also finishes at BAC. The 10-km fun run commences at Tshabalala Sanctuary and concludes at BAC, which is also the start and finish point for the 5km race. The marathon is one of the biggest races that attract top athletes in the country.

The organisers have announced that the marathon will be held on April 6.

“We write to inform you that PPC is hosting a Marathon in Matopos on April 6th, 2024. We will be holding the first press conference on January 31st, 2024, at the PPC Admin Centre located at the corner of J M N Nkomo and 13th Avenue in Bulawayo.”

The Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB), who work together with the organisers in this event, expressed their delight in the return of the race.

“No words can explain how we are feeling at the moment. It is the best possible way of starting the year and we are grateful that after a very long break, the most decorated event in the country is coming back. It is good news for us and all athletics enthusiasts who have been patient and had the belief that this day would finally come. As BAB, we promise that we will deliver one of the best events ever,” he said.

The last edition of the race in 2019 saw Black Rhinos Athletics Club long-distance runner Andrew Chimbidzikai clinch the victory in the PPC Matopos 33-Miler (53km) Ultra Marathon with a time of 3 hours 12 minutes and 37 seconds. Blanket Mine’s Nkosiyazi Sibanda came second with a time of 3 minutes 12 seconds and 23 seconds.

Air Force of Zimbabwe’s Peter Tumbare secured third place with a time of 3 hours 12 minutes and 24 seconds. Chiedza Chokore of Mr Pace won the women’s 33-Miler again with a time of 3 hours 57 minutes and 17 seconds, beating her record of 4 hours 09 minutes and 10 seconds set in 2018.

Muchaneta Gwata was second with a time of 4 hours 22 minutes and 53 seconds while Monica Kativhu was third with a time of 4 hours 24 minutes and 06 seconds.

Meanwhile, registration for the first track and field championship event for the year in the city is now open. The event is set for February 3 at White City Stadium. Entry fees are pegged at US$2 per event for cadets, youths and juniors while for seniors and relay teams, the entry fee is US$3.

Events on offer are the 100m, 100mh, 110mh, 200m, 400m, 400mh, 800m, 1 500m, 3 000m, 5 000m,1 0000m, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay, ZITF Coca-Cola Four Minute Mile Challenge, long jump, triple jump, high jump, javelin, shot-put and discus.