Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) secretary-general Cynthia Phiri says they may send two athletes to the World Cross-Country Championships to be held in Florida in the United States of America on January 10 next year.
Phiri said on Wednesday that they had provisionally lined up two athletes for the event because financial constraints.
Godwin Katakura who beat a strong field of seasoned athletes on Saturday at the Bindura national finals’ 10km race, when he finished in a time of 31 minutes 41,14 seconds and women’s champion Caroline Mhandu were chosen to represent Zimbabwe.
Katakura ran for the host province Mashonaland Central while Mhandu represented Harare.
“If resources permit we will send more,” said Phiri.
The nation’s best distance runners converged at Bindura University last Saturday all with a dream to represent Zimbabwe at the Tallahassee World Cross-Country Championships in Florida next January.
The high-energy meet was a competitive event ran in alternating weather changes which at some stage threatened to rain amid high temperatures.
There was provincial pride at stake as well in the competition which had as short as just one-kilometre segments for primary school events, as Naaz exploits its good relationship with both primary and secondary school talent.
With road stalwarts like Tendai Zimuto and Munyaradzi Jari, a previous winner taking to the starting line for the men’s 10km, and a host of other big names, expectations were high for a thrilling race and good time at a course which had varying terrain from a flat course to steep slopes.
Katakura chose his home platform to register his name in a long list of previous champions.
Tatenda Hove of the Midlands was second in 32 minutes 33,26 seconds, while Harare’s Zimuto finished third in 32 minutes 58,30 seconds.
The trio underlined both the depth and balance of talent across provinces — with Mashonaland Central, Midlands and Harare all represented on the men’s podium.
On a course that had an athlete to have a tactical plan on, Mhandu broke the 40-minute mark in the women’s 10km in 39 minutes 58,4 seconds, followed by her Harare teammate Melody Kaseke was second with Answer Tasara of Masvingo third.
Manu Mpofu, the Naaz director of competitions, said the emphasis on the championships was about data, depth and direction as Zimbabwe prepares for international assignments for 2026.
“What we have seen here in Bindura is that Zimbabwe’s talent is real, deep and spread across all our provinces.
“From 1km kids to 10km seniors and our masters, the performances here will strongly guide our selection and preparation programmes for Florida 2026 and other international competitions,” said Mpofu.
Naaz first vice-president Walter Zimusi praised Bindura University for providing a technically challenging course and excellent logistical support, from athlete accommodation and medical services to well-marshalled routes and enthusiastic student volunteers.
Siphathisiwe Machaya, the other Naaz vice-president, was happy that they were able to arrange a successful and colourful awards ceremony in which Tapiwanashe Makarawu was the biggest winner.
He was honoured for his impact in athletics and also got the Male Senior Athlete of the Year award.
