Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN athletes stamped their authority at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, sweeping the podium across both the full and half-marathon races in a thrilling display of endurance, redemption, and sheer dominance.
Held in the picturesque resort town yesterday, the event drew elite runners from across the region, with the 42km and 21km races delivering fireworks from start to finish.
In the men’s full marathon, Blessing Waison returned with a vengeance, claiming victory in 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 15 seconds, just a year after he was heartbreakingly disqualified for taking a wrong route.
“I’m excited, and I really enjoyed the terrain. Last year I was unfortunate to have taken the wrong route, but I’m happy I managed to not only stay on course but win the race,” Waison told Zimpapers Sports Hub. “I’d really like to thank my coach and teammates for their support.”
Running shoulder to shoulder with Waison for much of the race was last year’s half marathon champion, Isaac Mpofu, who stepped up to the full marathon this year and finished second in 2:13:54, earning a $2 000 prize. Gookin Katakura completed the podium with a solid 2:14:25.
Waison credited Mpofu’s strong challenge for keeping the race tempo sharp.
“It was a good race, very comfortable pace from both of us,” he said.
In the women’s full marathon, seasoned runner Fortunate Chidzivo was in a league of her own, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to secure gold. Ethel Pangiso (2:46:06) and Phillipa Dube (2:50:29) followed in second and third respectively.
The men’s half-marathon saw Wayne Kabondo take top honours with a time of 1:03:44, bagging $1 500. Kenya’s Isaac Langat came second in 1:04:03, while Tatenda Hove finished third (1:04:45).
Caroline Mhandu led the women’s half-marathon field with an impressive 1:14:50. Miriam Sibanda clocked 1:17:05 for second, while Melody Kasene was third in 1:15:27.
The 18km races for specially-abled athletes brought heartwarming performances, with Godknows Hamadziripi (wheelchair, 55:59), Samson Muroviva (handcycle, 1:02:25), and Nyasha Mharakurvia (tricycle, 1:07:49) winning their respective men’s categories. In the women’s division, Sheikh Jongvie led the handcycle category in 1:19:19.
Once again, the Victoria Falls Marathon stood as a celebration of sporting excellence, and Zimbabwe’s long distance stars didn’t just show up, they owned the stage. — @nyeve14
