Chronicle Editor
Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
IT’S that time of the year again when top long and middle-distance runners meet at the Old Mutual Westgate half marathon in Harare.
The annual half marathon is on tomorrow and starts at the Westgate Shopping Centre and ends at the same point. And it is expected to attract most of the country’s top athletes. Besides the 21km race, which is the main event, there is also the 5km and 10km races on offer.
The sponsors, Old Mutual, have confirmed that this year’s prize money, for the 21km race, is $3 000 for both men and women. And all the prizes from the different categories combined add up to over $28 000.
This year will see the sponsors honouring the top 20 as they go a gear up from the usual top 10. Hosts Harare Athletics Board secretary-general, Silas Muringani, said the continued support from Old Mutual is encouraging for road races.
“Actually, it is something that is very good for us and Old Mutual in terms of their image as a company. They are the first there to introduce such a high prize and no one has matched them to date in terms of prizes.
“They are showing that they have much trust in athletics and the leadership. This goes a long way in securing the future of road races. “This year they are also saying they have considered those in the top 20. They have gone a step further to consider those outside the top 10, which will be good for most athletes. This will also make the event get more athletes.
“In terms of quality, the more numbers enhance the quality…anyone coming will try to get into the top 20,” said Muringani. Some of the top athletes expected to grace tomorrow’s race include Kelvin Pangiso, Jonathan Chinyoka and Canisious Nyamutsita on the men’s side.
In the women’s section, the limelight falls on Rutendo Nyahora, Rudo Mhonderwa and Bertha Chikanga, who are coming from the Mandela Day half marathon.
They took the top three spots at the race in South Africa last week, with Chikanga crossing the finish line first.
She was followed by Mhonderwa and Nyahora. Nyahora also represented the country in marathon at the World Championships last month, in London. “This year I don’t know what is going to happen on the race day. I am still recovering from my marathon. If I can make it to the top three I will be so happy,” said Nyahora.
Fortunate Chidzivo, who was also at the World Championships confirmed her participation. “I am looking forward to run my season best for half marathon. I was specialising on speed work since I have the endurance from my preparation for the (World Championships) marathon,” Chidzivo said.
The General Manager of Old Mutual Property Gilbert Gumpo said they are looking forward to an exciting event. “This year we promise all the athletes an exciting and challenging race. We are expecting them to come in their numbers as we have witnessed over the years. Furthermore it’s going to be a family oriented and fun filled day.
”There is a race for everybody, whether you are a professional or a casual runner,” said Gumpo.
Wirimai Juwawo and Constance Nyasango are the defending champions.
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