Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
BLESSING Waison is now the king of the Jungle!
The 30-year-old Cadence Athletics Club runner stormed to victory at the 2025 edition of the Econet Victoria Falls Full Marathon, finishing in a sizzling time of 2 hours 13 minutes.
This year’s triumph was more than just a win, it was redemption.
In 2024, Waison had heartbreakingly missed out on glory after veering off course and taking the wrong route in the final stretch. That blunder cost him what was set to be a dominant finish.
But this time, there were no missteps.
“I made a promise to myself that I’d come back stronger and smarter. This one means everything,” Waison said, drenched in sweat and triumph.
Finishing second was veteran long-distance specialist Isaac Mpofu from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who pushed Waison all the way but could not match his final surge.
In a field packed with some of the country’s finest athletes, it was a shock to see two-time Econet Half Marathon champion Moses Tarakinyu settle for fourth place.
Tarakinyu, also aged 30, admitted the tank was nearly empty after a gruelling schedule that saw him scoop first place at the Tanganda Half Marathon just last week.
“My legs just didn’t respond today. I gave it my all, but the fatigue caught up with me,” said Tarakinyu, who had been tipped as one of the favourites.
The 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, one of the biggest races on Zimbabwe’s athletics calendar, drew thousands of athletes and spectators from across the globe. The event, which features a breathtaking route across the iconic Victoria Falls
Bridge and into parts of Zambia, continues to grow in stature each year.
While foreign runners made their presence felt in other categories, the full marathon podium belonged to Zimbabwe.
Waison’s club, Cadence Athletics, has been building a reputation for producing elite runners, and this win further cements their place at the top of the country’s distance running scene.
“Waison’s win is a statement. It shows our training system is working,” said one of the Cadence coaches.
The victory also puts Waison in contention for regional and international marathon slots, with scouts reportedly keeping a close eye on his progress.
With this win, Waison joins the elite club of Victoria Falls Marathon legends — and this time, he did it the hard way.
From lost runner to top gun.
