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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
LONG and middle distance athletes will hardly take a break as they are expected to take part in the second edition of the Mr Pace ZimPost half-marathon at National Sports Stadium B Arena this morning.
The 21km half marathon will see several top athletes taking to the starting line for the race that is sponsored to the tune of US$10 000 by Zimpost and Nicoz Diamond.
Most of the athletes took part in last week’s Musabvunda races and are expected back in action again today.
In its inaugural edition last year, the race attracted some of the leading long distance runners in the country such as Misheck Sithole and Caroline Mhandu, who emerged winners in the men and women’s categories respectively.
The event, which began last year with 10km and 5km races, has since included the half-marathon.
Speaking during the launch last month Mr Pace Athletics club chairman Collen Makaza said he was happy with the gesture by Zimpost and Nicoz Diamond, who have come on board to partner them.
“I am very grateful to the sponsors for offering us an opportunity to stage the second edition of the Mr Pace Zimpost half-marathon. After last year’s edition, which we restricted to 10 and five km races, we have improved to the half-marathon, which is the 21km.
“There will also be the wheelchair race, 10km which is for development and 5km fun run for all individuals.
“We are looking forward to around 500 athletes, which is an improvement from last year’s edition when we had above 300 athletes.
“The athletes have been preparing so hard, especially those I work with. They have had several races before and I believe it will help them.
“We are aiming to give value to the sponsors by staging a well-organised event,” said Makaza.
Kelvin Pangiso, Nomore Wiriki, Olivia Chitate, Constance Nyasango, Moses Tarakinyu and Jonathan Chinyoka were also part of the event.
The organisers will be hoping for another good turnout in terms of the quality of the field at this year’s edition.
Online Reporter