Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube [email protected]
ZIMBABWEAN marathon runners are steadily raising the bar on the international stage, with the country now regularly producing athletes capable of finishing among the top 20 at major road races.
The improvement has been significant.
A decade ago, Zimbabwean marathoners were struggling to break 2 hours 15 minutes — a time that could put them in contention for Olympic and World Championship qualification.
Today, the standard has risen sharply, with athletes needing to run around the 2:06 mark to compete at the highest level.
Isaac Mpofu remains Zimbabwe’s fastest marathon runner, having clocked 2:06:48 at the Valencia Marathon in Spain in December 2022.
For the past four years, his national record has stood untouched, with Moses Tarakinyu coming closest after running 2:08:26 at the Berlin Marathon on September 7 this year.
Godwin Katakura is also closing in on the leading pair after posting 2:08:47 in Hannover in April.
Coach Benson Chauke, who has guided Zimbabwean marathoners to major international events, believes the country’s leading young runners have the potential to break the 2:06 barrier.
ZIMBABWE’S TOP 15 MARATHON TIMES
Pos Athlete Time Race Date
1 Isaac Mpofu 2:06:48 Valencia Marathon, Spain 4 Dec 2022
2 Moses Tarakinyu 2:08:26 Berlin Marathon, Germany 7 Sep 2026
3 Godwin Katakura 2:08:47 Hannover Marathon, Germany 12 Apr 2026
4 Tendai Zimuto 2:09:30 Enschede Marathon, Netherlands 21 Apr 2024
5 Cuthbert Nyasango 2:09:52 Prague Marathon, Czech Republic 11 May 2014
6 Tendai Chimusasa 2:10:57 Hamburg Marathon, Germany 19 Apr 1998
7 Ngonidzashe Ncube 2:11:46 Enschede Marathon, Netherlands 24 Apr 2022
8 Blessing Waison 2:11:51 Durban Marathon, South Africa 4 May 2025
9 Munyaradzi Jari 2:12:27 Cape Town Marathon, South Africa 30 May 2021
10 Brian Sheriff 2:12:27 Tokyo Marathon, Japan 12 Feb 1996
11 Wirimayi Juwawo 2:12:38 Danzhou Marathon, China 18 Dec 2010
12 Kasirai Sita 2:12:42 Eindhoven Marathon, Netherlands —
13 Michael Ngaaseke 2:12:53 Berlin Marathon, Germany 26 Sep 2004
14 Mike Foromani 2:13:17 Beijing Olympics, China 24 Aug 2008
15 Brighton Chipere 2:13:18 Podgorica Marathon, Montenegro 1 Nov 2009
