Zim athletes struggle at World half marathon

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S representatives at the IAAF/Trinidad Alfonso World Half Marathon Championships, Jacob Mugomeri and Patience Murowe, failed to leave a mark at the meet when they finished outside the top 50 over the weekend in Valencia, Spain. Mugomeri finished on position 96th in 1hour 6minutes 11seconds in the men’s race while Murowe came through at position 72 in the women’s section.

She completed the race in 1hour 15minutes 30seconds setting her new personal best time for a half marathon. The two athletes were selected for the world event at the national cross country championships in Bulawayo last month. They were supposed to go for the regional championships in Mauritius but the national association opted for the World Half marathon.

National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe director of coaching, talent identification and development. Lisimati Phakamile, said this was an opportunity for the athletes to get exposure.

“I think it was a very good opportunity for the two Zimbabwean athletes to take part at the World Championships Half Marathon.

‘‘It has helped expose and improve Zimbabwean distance runners as they gain the much-needed experience and competition. The positions are not as impressive as we would like them to be but the times mean a lot and the great improvements indicate a lot to the coaches and athletes. I am generally impressed by their performance,” said Phakamile.

Phakamile said having local athletes at such competitions gives them an insight of the work they need to put in if they are to perform better at that level.

“I believe our coaches and their athletes now know that more competitions and practice will help them improve and compete better outside. I am urging all of them to keep working towards producing world class performances and athletes who can stand the pressure at these levels.’’ said Phakamile. The men’s race was won by Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor in 1hour 2seconnds, followed by Bahrain’s Abraham Cheroben in 1hour 22seconds. Eritrea’s Aron Kifle was third in 1hour 31seconds.

Ethiopia’s Netsanet Gudeta Kebede was the first to cross the finish line in 1hour 6minutes 11seconds.