Varevi targets history, eyes Mavhera’s record

BLACK Rhinos middle-distance runner Wellington Varevi is on the brink of history as he targets a fifth consecutive title in the ZITF Coca-Cola Four-Minute Mile Challenge while also chasing Gray Mavhera’s long-standing record.

The defending champion has dominated the annual event in recent years, but one milestone has remained elusive, breaking the four-minute barrier. Mavhera’s time of three minutes 58 seconds continues to stand as the benchmark in the ZITF Four-Minute Mile Challenge.

Despite that, Varevi says his immediate focus is on securing another victory.
“I am ready and I want to win a fifth title. Breaking the record would be special, but the main focus is to win,” said Varevi.

He heads into this year’s race with a qualifying time of four minutes 23,46 seconds. However, he faces stiff competition from athletes such as Blessmore Chidziva, who has the fastest qualifying time of four minutes 22,31 seconds.

Last year, Varevi once again underlined his dominance by clinching his fourth consecutive title at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.

In a field of 20 athletes, he powered to victory in four minutes 20,81 seconds. Although he fell short of dipping under four minutes, the performance was enough to secure another win and cement his status as the country’s leading middle-distance runner.

Elijah Mabhunu finished second in four minutes 23,79 seconds, while Munyaradzi Zizhou came third in four minutes 24,31 seconds.

The Four-Minute Mile Challenge, held annually, requires athletes to meet a qualifying standard of four minutes 31 seconds to book a place in the final, making it one of the most competitive races on the local athletics calendar.

Meanwhile, the Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) has confirmed that the final list of participants for this year’s edition has been concluded.

BAB chairman Watson Madanyika expressed confidence in the quality of the field, saying fans can expect a highly competitive race.

“The final list has been finalised and we are satisfied with the athletes who will take part. The competition will be tough and we expect exciting performances,” said Madanyika.

He added that the presence of top runners such as Varevi raises the profile of the event and inspires upcoming athletes.

“With athletes like Varevi chasing both titles and records, it brings excitement to the event and motivates young runners to push their limits,” he said.

As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Varevi to see if he can extend his dominance with a fifth straight title and possibly edge closer to rewriting the record books.
ZITF Four minute mile finalists

Blessmore Chidziva 4.22.31, Mthabisi Moyo 4.24.09, Trust Hove 4.25.00, Martin Matsapa 4.25.27, Bornface Jeki 4.26.25, Kudzanai Chiwara 4.28.62, Nigel Mirimi 4.29.60, Godknows Hungwe 4.30.22, Loyd Ngawaite 4.30.75, Alex Ncube 4.30.75, Hamfree Kunaka 4.31.00, Freedom Banda 4.26.18, Shyne Makota 4.24.33, Wayne Kabondo 4.23.45, Wellington Varevi 4.23.46, Peter 4.24.44, Tafadzwa Chidziva 4.25.24, Matthew Masirevhu 4.27.23, Tanaka Chikoore 4.28.49