Top athletes for ZPCS half-marathon

Ellina Mhlanga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

SEVERAL top distance runners are tomorrow expected to lead the way when they converge at Chikurubi Damview Resort for the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Commissioner-General’s Goodwill Trust Fund half-marathon.

The event is being organised by ZPCS Harare province and the half-marathon is the main race of the day.

Also on the programme is a 10km race for seniors, as well as for veterans, masters and juniors and 10km wheelchair race.

The Commissioner-General’s Goodwill Trust Fund is aimed at assisting children and spouses of deceased correctional officers and other vulnerable members within the service.

As part of efforts to raise funds, provinces hold different fundraising activities and Harare province are staging a half-marathon with organising committee member Smart Chakuamba indicating that this is the third edition.

“We decided to hold a half marathon as Harare province. This is our third edition.

“We invited athletes from all over, from the army, police, banks and various companies, even athletics clubs. So, it’s open to anyone interested,” Chakuamba said.

Chakuamba added that the Commissioner-General’s Goodwill Trust seeks to help families of deceased members of the ZPCS.

“The idea behind the Commissioner General’s Goodwill Trust, is to assist families of our deceased officers.

“In addition, should an officer fall ill, the fund can also assist with hospital bills. So, it’s sort of a fundraising initiative for the Trust.

“And it’s done as per province; we are doing it as ZPCS Harare province. Then other provinces have their own initiatives, some may have a golf day, it’s just different activities,” he said.

Registration is ongoing and some of the distance runners to take part include ZPCS’ seasoned athletes who include Jonathan Chinyoka and Precious Makaza.

They will be joined by Caroline Mhandu, Febby Chabhanga, Maryjoy Mudyiravanji, Mathew Musarirevhu and Samuel Mtombeni among others.

ZPCS national coach Kelvin Pangiso, who has been working with the athletes is hoping that the hosts dominate the event.

“For 21km, women, we have Caroline Mhandu. She is unstoppable. We are expecting a win . . . We have Febby Chabhanga, it’s her first half marathon.

“In the 10km women we have Maryjoy Mudyiravanji, she is an 800m and 1 500m runner, but she is also good in 10km, we expect a top three finish.

ZRP’s Ethel Pangiso is expected to be part of the field along with 10km national champion Wellington Varevi.