Vusumuzi Dube
Fungai Muderere , Senior Sports Reporter
BLACK Rhinos middle distance runner Wellington Varevi might have failed to cross the finishing line in under four minutes but he beat 19 other athletes to win the 2024 Coca-Cola Four-Minute Mile Challenge at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Arena yesterday.
To emerge victorious, Varevi crossed the line in a time of 4 minutes 21,38 seconds.
His closest challenger Kenyan national John Kisilu Muinde clocked 4 minutes 26,15 seconds.
In third place was Andrew Ndlovu of Blanket Mine who crossed the finishing line in 4 minutes 27,56 seconds.
The winner of the annual race Varevi has bagged the winner’s medal for three consecutive years.
For yesterday’s tireless efforts, Varevi went home with US$800 while Muinde pocketed US$400.
Ndlovu got US$350 as his prize money.
“I have won this race for three years now and I’m very happy with the results today. But it’s difficult to run the race under four minutes,” said Varevi. The event has been sponsored by Coca-Cola in Zimbabwe with the Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) being technical partners.
The contest is a pinnacle of athleticism, with 20 elite athletes having qualified from six of the country’s 10 provinces to compete for the coveted title.With six athletes, Varevi, Tendai Zimuto, Trust Hove, Authur Chitara, Humphry Kunaka and Bornface Jeki, Black Rhinos Club had the most athletes.
Zimbabwe Prisons Correctional Services (ZPCS) had three representatives Matthew Masirirevhu, Jonathan Chinyoka and Nomore Wikiri. Sparrows and Masvingo were represented by Freedom Banda and Munyaradzi Zizhou respectively.Ndlovu and Mthokosizi Mhlanga ran for Blanket Mine.
The duo of Nkosilathi Ndlovu and Trust Chidomaya carried the hopes of Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Zimplats had Trust Hove to bank on while Tawanda Bvunzawabaya competed as an independent athlete.
Whoever was going to break the record was set to receive double the prize of US$800 and take home US$1 600.Coca-Cola reaffirmed its commitment to sports development, sponsoring events like the Four-Minute Mile to inspire athletes locally and globally.
“This platform offers participants an opportunity to gauge their performance and prepare for international competitions. We celebrate the dedication of this year’s athletes,” said Tich Chipangura, general manager of Delta Beverages Sparkling Drinks business unit.
“Their passion exemplifies the spirit of victory, inspiring others to push boundaries.
“The event owes its success to stakeholders like the BAB, whose professionalism ensures the event’s continued triumph. As we anticipate another thrilling race, we extend gratitude to all involved in making this event possible,” he said. —@FungaiMuderere
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