Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT promises to be another exciting edition of the CBZ Marathon with several local top distance runners confirming their participation tomorrow.
Among the leading runners that will be part of the field tomorrow at Old Georgians Sports Club is defending champion Blessing Waison.
“It’s a bit tricky. We were supposed to go to Kazungula this weekend, but we could not go because we felt we were not yet there in terms of our preparations.
“We then decided to focus on CBZ Marathon. Since I am the defending champion, I just want to try and see if I can defend the title,” said Waison.
“So far, our preparations are more focused on events coming in April and the progress has been good.
“I have Two Oceans in April, my first ultra-marathon, so I am not promising much for CBZ Marathon . . . But I believe we can retain the title as a club because Godwin Katakura, who finished second last year had a good preparation for 42km.”
Waison and Katakura are members of Cadence Athletics Club, and they placed first and second at the previous edition.
Katakura said he is more concerned with improving his time.
“Since the season is just starting, and this is going to be my first marathon, I am just targeting to run a good time, a better time to beat the one I posted last year.
“I will be running with top guys, so I will be focusing on time. If I win or if I manage to get a podium finish it will be a bonus.
“It’s a tough course,” said Katakura.
He ran 21km at the Old Mutual Harare Marathon a few weeks ago and will be out to build on his performance after coming second.
In the women’s category, Fortunate Chidzivo has set her eyes on the half marathon instead of defending the title as she is preparing for Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in May.
It will be her third half marathon since the beginning of the year.
“Going to CBZ Marathon, I don’t have any expectations. I am just going there to line up with my head up, enjoy each and every kilometre till I get to the finishing line.
“I won 42 kilometres last year, but I am choosing 21 kilometres instead of the marathon this year, only because my coach asked me to do the half marathon.
“All races we are running we are not tapering, we are going in with the load, the marathon load and then try and see if I can run 25 to 30 seconds lower than the target pace, we want to use at the Cape Town Marathon,” Chidzivo said.
CBZ Holdings group chief marketing officer Matilda Nyathi is hopeful of a lively race.
“CBZ marathon has managed to maintain its status as one of the well sought after runs, likewise as in previous races we expect tight and stiff competition from the athletes as they seek to claim the honours.
“Since the marathon route is certified by World Athletics and is also a Comrades and Two Oceans qualifier it will definitely attract the best talents in the country,” said Nyathi.
The race categories remain unchanged with 10km, 5km and 21km wheelchair races also on offer, with a field of 3000 participants expected on the day.
Winners in the 42km will get $1 000, both men and women.
