Vic Falls marathon begins

Sports Reporter

THE 2024 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon will kick off, this morning with an estimated 5 500 athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across the world taking part.

The 16th edition of the famous race will run under theme “Road to Victory”, and involve the traditional 42,2km race, as well as the 21,1km half marathon. Also on the cards is the Steward Bank 10,5km relay half marathon, featuring two runners in each team, completing a total of 21km.

Defending champions Blessing Waison (male category) and Ethel Pangiso (female category) are both confirmed to take part in the race and have since expressed their desire to defend their titles.

The Harare-based Waison, a Cadence Athletics Club runner, improved his time by three minutes to win last year’s Econet Victoria Falls Marathon in 2 hours 15 minutes and 11 seconds. Waison beat second-placed Elijah Mabhunu by more than two minutes (2:17:21), while Lyno Muchena was third in 2 hours 17 minutes and 30 seconds.

Prosper Mutwira finished fourth in 2 hours 17 minutes and 41 seconds, while veteran runner Mike Fokoroni dropped from fifth to eighth last year, finishing in 2 hours 22 minutes and 32 seconds.

Another top prospect confirmed for the race is Moses Tarakinyu, last year’s winner of the 21km race. Fresh from winning the Tanganda Half Marathon in Mutare last week, the Black Rhinos athlete finished with a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes and 19 seconds to clinch his third consecutive 21km race last year.

Olympics-bound Isaac Mpofu is another top name confirmed and will likely hog the limelight as the seasoned marathon runner hopes to use the race as part of his preparations for the Paris Games.

“In terms of my preparations, everything is well in place,” said Mpofu. “I have been putting in the work as the countdown to the Olympics continues. “As part of my preparations, I will be taking part in the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon. This should allow me and my coaches to see where we are in terms of preparations.”

Econet chief operating officer Kezito Makuni expressed satisfaction at the continued growth of the event.

“We are excited at the level of participation by athletes from our country, from the region and from around the world at the Econet Vic Falls Marathon,” said                              Makuni. “It is clear this event now transcends the competition of the athletes and the promotion of health and fitness as it has since evolved into a celebration of life, family, friendships and the spirit of multicultural community that this resort town embodies as an international tourist destination and hospitality centre.”