Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
LONG DISTANCE runner Tendai Zimuto will make his first attempt to try and qualify for the next edition of the World Championships when he takes part at the Enschede Marathon in Netherlands in April.
The rising marathon runner made his debut at the global championships last year in Tokyo, Japan.
On his return, Zimuto declared his intention to return for the next edition of the meet, and has been putting in the work under the guidance of head coach and long- and middle-distance runner Benson Chauke.
With a month to go, before he travels to Netherlands, he recently upped his preparations when taking part at the CBZ Marathon and placed second in the 21km race.
Prior to that, he had last competed in November last year before taking a break.
“My training programme for now is planned around my first big race this year. I am going to Netherlands where I am running in April.
“For the CBZ Marathon we thought there won’t be too many top athletes because we wanted to treat it as a long run.
“But we noticed there were many top athletes than we expected and once there are many top athletes, the competition becomes tough.
“So, we decided to go for a half marathon because I didn’t want too much pressure. I was afraid I would strain my muscle that’s why I dropped into half marathon.
“But it really helped because we then used it as a tempo run and I did well. I am happy that I performed very well,” said Zimuto.
The Enschede Marathon is scheduled for April 12.
“My aim is to go and run Enschede Marathon and my aim is to qualify for the World Championship. I also want to qualify for the Olympics, so if I run good times, now, it gives me better chances in case things don’t go as expected.
“If I don’t qualify with 2:06:30 I can qualify with the World Ranking like what I did for Tokyo. I have to push for good times starting now, that’s my aim.”
Besides Zimuto, some of the athletes on the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe’s radar include Godwin Katakura and Blessing Waison. The two athletes have been posting some interesting performances, drawing the attention of the national coach and the national association. NAAZ director for coaching, talent identification and development, Phakamile Lisimati said.
“We have the usual guys with the additions of Godwin Katakura and Blessing Waison, and Zimuto. They are actually fighting for qualification for the World Championships.
“Obviously Isaac (Mpofu) is amongst those guys. So, we are set to see how many will make the grade.
“For the women, we have the usual athletes, the likes of Rutendo Nyahora and Fortunate Chidzivo.
“We are hoping that this time around as well, we might have new athletes coming in,” said Lisimati.
Marathon remain one of the events that have been consistent in terms of appearance at the global championships.
For the previous edition, Zimbabwe had three representatives in the men’s and women’s marathon.
