adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE second edition of the Old Mutual Westgate half marathon lived up to its billing as one of the country’s premier races when most of the nation’s best athletes turned up for the showcase in the capital on Sunday. The race attracted more than 1 000 athletes, including Olympians Cuthbert Nyasango and Wirimai Juwawo.
Kelvin Pangiso and Constance Nyasango were the winners in the men and women’s categories.
Speaking soon after the race on Sunday, Harare Athletics Board secretary general, Silas Muringani, said they were overwhelmed with the huge turnout.
“We had many athletes registering. We intended to close registration by 5pm yesterday (Saturday) but we had to extend it by two hours because some athletes were coming from Hwange. We were overwhelmed by the numbers and it was almost similar to last year’s event,” said Muringani.
Muringani hailed Old Mutual for coming on board to support athletics.
“We were impressed with the organisation, we had very few hiccups.
We started early with everyone in place, the police, route marshals and the officials.
“Athletes came very early for the race and it shows that we are now getting that attitude of people taking athletics seriously.
“The most important thing is that we were impressed with the prizes, all the athletes got what they were promised.
“We hope they (Old Mutual) continue to sponsor the race and hopefully increase the purse in the future.
“Our relationship with Old Mutual is very positive,” said Muringani. Old Mutual Property general manager, Grace Mukahanana, said they were happy with Sunday’s event as it surpassed their expectations.
“The organisation was good and the turnout was very good as well. We had over 1 000 athletes and that is more than what we expected.
“The competition, I think, was very high considering that we were hoping that last year’s winners will defend their titles but in the men he (Juwawo) came fourth and Rutendo was second,” said Mukahanana.
Mukahanana said they will continue to support the race which has become an annual event.
“The Westgate half marathon is an annual event. We are still looking whether we can extend it to other shopping malls, so far we have the Nkulumane race but it’s a 10km event,” said Mukahanana.” The Old Mutual Westgate half marathon began as a 16km fun run in 2011 before it was upgraded to a half marathon last year, recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
Juwawo and Rutendo Nyahora were the winners of the inaugural half marathon and on Sunday they were part of the athletes that competed with Juwawo finishing fourth in the men’s category while Nyahora claimed second position in the women’s section.
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