adminpositions in the men’s race, which started and finished at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
First to cross the finish line in the women’s category was Zimbabwe’s Tabitha Tsatsa in a time of 2 hours 43 minutes 37 seconds.
Behind her was fellow Zimbabwean Samukeliso Moyo who clocked 2:44:10.
Another top Zimbabwean female middle and long-distance runnerLizzie Chokore came third in 2 hours 47 minutes 47 seconds.
Stephen Muzhingi, the triple Comrades champion failed to finish the race.
Tsatsa went home US$10 000 richer while Moyo and Chokore pocketed US$4 000 and US$2 000 respectively.
Tsatsa went into the lead just after 25km and maintained her pace running alongside her training partner Moyo.
At the 40km peg Tsatsa took the lead for good to scoop the title.
The 38-year-old was impressed with her performance and said the race was competitive.
“The competition was tough but after hard training it was worth it.
“My training partner, Samukeliso, and Sharon Tavengwa were competitive.
“I feel great after winning,” said Tsatsa.
After coming second in the race, Moyo was a happy woman.
“I kept on chasing till I was tired and I am happy with the position. This was a tough race and the course was flat so people were really moving,” Moyo said.
In the men’s competition, Cosmers Kemboi of Kenya was crowned the champion when he ran a time of 2:15:36 to beat a large group of more than 1 000 athletes comprising runners from Namibia, Kenya, South Africa and the hosts.
The Kenyans proved too good for the local athletes.
For winning the title he walked away with US$10 000.
His colleague Chelimo Luka came second in 2:15:47seconds while Julius Kilplimo Maisei followed in third place.
Luka and Maisei pocketed US$4 000 and US$2 000 respectively.
The first Zimbabwean male athlete home was Cephas Pasipamire who came fourth in 2:18: 7.
Kemboi and his colleague took the lead just after 26km and maintained their pace as they headed for victory. However, with a kilometre to go, Kemboi increased his pace to beat his countryman Luka for pole position.
“The race was quite fine and I enjoyed the competition.
“I am happy being number one because this is my first marathon.
“I have been running half marathons. I hope I will be here next year to defend my title,” said Kemboi.
Although he failed to scoop the grand prize, Pasipamire said the fact that he managed to compete with the Kenyans in the top five was a big achievement for him.
“The competition was stiff but the course was okay. I did my best and I am happy because I was thre with the Kenyans who finished on top.
“I also managed to showcase my talent locally because we usually compete outside the country since there was no competition locally.
“I did not expect to run like this but the Kenyans were a great motivation and competing with them is good for us, it will help us improve,” said Pasipamire.
Muzhingi found the going tough as he pulled out of the race after 35km while another veteran long-distance runner Marko Mambo could not take part in the race because of injury.
Muzhingi said he is still recovering from the Comrades Marathon.
“I did not finish the race because my legs were not fit enough, I could not continue to run. I am still recovering after the Comrades Marathon.
“I started running today since the Comrades Marathon so it was difficult. I am just starting preparations for my upcoming events. I am going to Switzerland in September,” said Muzhingi.
Veteran long distance runner Mike Fokorani settled for eighth position but was not happy.
“The way I have been preparing for this race I thought I would finish in the top 3.
“We started slowly and the water supply was not good. It affected me.
“The competition was good. There were some Kenyans, South Africans and Namibians who added international flavour into the race,” said Fokorani.
On a sad note a police officer who was leading the athletes was involved in an accident along the Borrowdale Road and, according to the organisers, he suffered minor injuries.
Results
5km men
George Majaji (14 minutes 21 seconds), Trust Chidamaya (14:27), Ngoni Ncube (14:32).
5km women
Thandiwe Nyathi (16 minutes 20 seconds), Constance Nyasango (16:35), Ntombizodwa Moyo 17:9).
21.1km wheelchair men
Elford Moyo (1 hour 10 minutes 32 seconds), Edmund Makutya (1: 10:53), Allan Garaba (1:12:47).
21.1km wheelchair women
Margret Bangajena (2 hours 19 minutes 19 seconds), Dorcas Hwatira (2:20:19), Moline Muza (2: 23: 33).
Online Reporter