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Noel Munzabwa in Manzini, Eswatini
ZIMBABWE’S road queen, Thabitha Tsatsa, is targeting her third successive Imbube King’s Marathon in Eswatini on Sunday.
The 42.2km race will start at Somhlolo Stadium and participants will run to Lobamba, Manzini and back to the stadium where King Mswati III is expected to crown the winners.
Winners in the men and women’s categories will each pocket R25 000.
The 46-year-old runner is, however, worried that age is slowing her down despite her burning desire to defend her title.
“Of course, I want to defend my title. But with my age now, I cannot promise anything. And that course is too difficult and abnormal.
“I was injured after last year’s race and up to now I’m still struggling with injuries. It’s too downhill and too steep,” said Tsatsa.
“I am not worried about time anymore, but for the youngsters it’s not a good course. It’s the one which pays well in that country and they should find a good course and use it to better their athletes for the World Championships or Olympics. I coach as well and I will always help their athletes. I have helped one of their best performing female runners to manage her races together with other ladies,” said Tsatsa from her South Africa base.
She bagged the 2017 marathon in three hours eight minutes and 10 seconds to walk away with R25 000 and a floating trophy.
“It is a very tough route both up and downhill. For a slower runner like me though, the route is not as bad, but for a fast runner, it could have an effect on the muscles.
“It was endurance that kept me going and I’m happy with my performance,” she said. – @NoelMunzabwa
Online Reporter