adminMzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
WELLINGTON Varevi is eyeing to break the Old Mutual Nkulumane Fun Run record in the 10km race tomorrow.
Several impressive fields have since 1999 failed to run the event in a time better than the one set by Kudakwashe Shoko.The 10km race and 5km fun run is set for Nkulumane Complex tomorrow morning at 6.30AM.
Varevi said he is ready to re-write the history books by beating the 27 minutes 33 seconds record set by Shoko in the inaugural event 15 years ago.
“Last year I didn’t perform the way I wanted, but this time I have had a good start and I have been training well, with no injuries. I believe at my best I can beat the time and go on to win the race. At the end of last year I was able to clock 28 minutes in the 10km so it won’t be that difficult,” said Varevi
He won the ZITF Coca Cola Four Minute Mile in April.
“I came second last year (in the Nkulumane race) when I was not 100 percent fit, but now I am okay and I hope to use the Four Minute Mile triumph as motivation, as I am working hard to achieve great things this year,” said Varevi.
Shabanie’s long distance runner Wirimai Juwawo won the race last year in 30 minutes 14,89 seconds while Olivia Chitate came first in women’s category in 35 minutes 32,71 seconds last year.
Old Mutual have increased their sponsorship package for the Nkulumane Fun Run to $11,000 from $10,000 last year.
Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) chairperson Manuel Mpofu said they are still expecting more athletes to register before the deadline later today.
“People are still coming to register. We have about 100 now, but most usually come on the last day so we expect a huge crowd to take part in this event,” said Mpofu.
He said registration is free.
“I still repeat that we want everyone from Grade Zero to the oldest man and woman to participate in either jogging, walking and running, so we call on Bulawayo to support the event even by coming to watch athletes running,” he said
Men and women will feature in the open race, veterans, masters, grandmasters and juniors from 16-19 year categories.
The winners of the 10km race will walk $1,000 richer each.
Online Reporter