Two days of Four-Minute Mile qualifiers scheduled in Harare

HARARE will host the latest ZITF Coca-Cola Four-Minute Mile qualifiers during the National Association of Secondary Heads (Nash) athletics nationals set for the University of Zimbabwe on Wednesday and Thursday.

The qualifiers will run alongside the highly anticipated schools’ athletics showcase, offering some of the country’s top young middle-distance runners an opportunity to chase the required time for progression in one of Zimbabwe’s flagship races linked to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.

Athletes hoping to advance must clock under 4 minutes and 31 seconds to secure a place in the semi-finals, which are usually held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo, ahead of the final, which is held on the last day of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.

So far, Freedom Banda of Northlea High Athletics Club and ZRP runner Shane Makota are the only two athletes to qualify for the semifinals.

Banda stopped the clock at 4 minutes 29 seconds, while Makota went a second faster at four minutes 28 seconds, ensuring both athletes moved safely into the semi-final round.

The Harare qualifiers are expected to attract strong competition, given the depth of talent already assembled for the Nash nationals, one of the biggest events on the school’s athletics calendar.

“We are very excited about hosting the Four-Minute Mile qualifiers in Harare over two days,” said Madanyika. “This is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes in the capital to compete without having to travel far, and it adds an extra layer of excitement to the Nash nationals. We’re expecting some intense competition, and it’s a great chance to identify and nurture emerging talent in the country.

Black Rhinos’ middle-distance runner Wellington Varevi won last year’s event. He has won it four times in a row.
Varevi clocked a time of 4 minutes 28.81 seconds, slightly slower than his 2024 winning time of 4:21.38 but enough to secure yet another victory and reinforce his status as a powerhouse in middle-distance running.

Elijah Mabhunu finished second with a time of 4:23.79, while Munyaradzi Zizhou came in third, crossing the line at 4:21.31.