Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WELLINGTON Varevi and Caroline Mhandu are this year’s ZB Half Marathon winners after emerging tops yesterday at ZB Sports Club.
The half marathon was held under the theme “Say no to drugs and substance abuse.”
Varevi of Black Rhinos crossed the finish line in 1 hour 13 minutes 17 seconds to win the men’s open category, in an event that featured mostly social runners.
“The race was okay. Coming for this event I wanted to run 10km but since I am coming from an injury, I decided to go for 21km just for endurance.
“I am preparing for the national cross-country event, and there wasn’t much competition, so it was just part of my build up for the cross-country in November.
“I am focusing more on time, I am targeting to run under 29.30 no matter how tough the course is going to be,” said Varevi.
He was followed by Solomon Mutsikamabwe of Nyaradzo with a time of 1 hour 15 minutes 36 seconds. Brighton Handiradi from ZB was third in 1 hour 15 minutes 58 seconds.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service’s (ZPCS) Caroline Mhandu posted a time of 1 hour 19 minutes 49 seconds to win the women’s category.
It was a close race with Miriam Sibanda of Mr Pace Athletics Club finishing second in 1 hour 19 minutes 50 seconds.
Harare Athletic Club’s Lorna Doorman was third in 1 hour 29 minutes 12 seconds.
The ZB Half marathon was launched three years ago with the idea of promoting wellness in the community.
There was also the 10km and 5km races on offer.
Emilliah Mabika, executive head brand and corporate communications ZB Financial Holdings was pleased with the turnout.
“The half marathon went exceptionally well beyond our imaginations.
“The runners came in their numbers and we are very happy that they participated. It’s been a good day,” said Mabika.
“We started this race about three years ago, and our idea as a financial institution, we wanted to talk about wellness, particularly physical wellness, mental wellness, make sure that from a health perspective we do our part as ZB Financial Holdings.
“Then we also had our theme for this year now, ‘say no to drugs and substance abuse.” This is a menace the world over, in Zimbabwe.
“So, we want to do our part to make sure that we conscientise ourselves about this menace.
“How do you handle it? How do you tell the signs? How do you deal with somebody who’s under the influence? Is there hope?
“We also had former drug and substance abusers that were running the race actually as well,” Mabika said.
Their partners for this year’s edition included Pamumvuri, a non-profit organisation involved in advocacy and raising awareness against drug and substance abuse.
A representative from the organisation, Jacob Shamuyarira said they are looking forward to a long-term partnership with ZB Financial Holdings.
“So, the event was organised by ZB Financial Holdings and Pamumvuri has come in as a technical partner.
“And our main thrust, our main goal was to carry the message on drug and substance use. Primarily help people understand what addiction is all about and refer them to services that are available. So, in addition to Pamumvuri coming in, we came in with our partners as well.
“This is our first time partnering with them (ZB Financial Holdings) on this marathon. But we envision that this will be a long-term partnership for future marathons to come,” said Shamuyarira.
