Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
Zimuto of Black Rhinos Athletics Club delivered a commanding performance to win the men’s 42,2km race at the 18th edition of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon in the resort city yesterday, crossing the finish line in an impressive two hours, 16 minutes and 10 seconds.31-year-old soldier spearheaded a strong showing by Black Rhinos Athletics Club, which dominated the full marathon category, while Kenya’s Sylvia Kwambai claimed victory in the women’s race to add an international touch to one of Africa’s premier road-running events.
Zimuto, who has enjoyed an outstanding season, credited his victory to thorough preparation and the support he received from both his club and employer.
“I really enjoyed the race today. The course was challenging but the preparation I put in paid off. I want to express my gratitude to my bosses for giving me the opportunity and time to train properly. This victory means a lot to me,” Zimuto said in an interview shortly after crossing the finish line.
The Black Rhinos athlete controlled the race from an early stage and finished comfortably ahead of a strong field that featured some of Zimbabwe’s leading long-distance runners.the women’s full marathon, Kenya’s Sylvia Kwambai produced a superb performance to secure first place in a highly competitive field.
An elated Kwambai said she was thrilled to emerge victorious in Victoria Falls.
“I am so excited to win this race. Coming all the way from Kenya to win here in Victoria Falls is a dream come true. The atmosphere was amazing and the support from the crowd kept me going,” Kwambai said.
The men’s full marathon podium was completed by Trust Tatenda Hove, who finished second, while Fatai Muldimba claimed third place to round off a strong showing by Zimbabwean runners.
In the women’s category, Kwambai led the charge ahead of a competitive field, underlining Kenya’s enduring strength in long-distance running.
The men’s half marathon (21,1km) title went to Godwin Katakura, who clocked one hour, four minutes and 30 seconds.
Moses Tarakinyu finished second in 1:05:09, while Andrew Dick came third in 1:06:09.
In the women’s half marathon, Mercy Chemutai took top honours in a time of 1:15:48. Melody Kaseke finished second in 1:16:47, while Peris Lobakan completed the podium places in 1:18:35.
The relay races also provided plenty of excitement, with teams battling fiercely for honours across the different categories.
Team Black Rhinos won the men’s relay race in 1:08:28, while Team Runmate claimed the women’s relay title in 1:43:58. Team Black Rhinos 1 Mixed emerged victorious in the mixed relay category with a time of 1:16:47.
However, it was not all good news for Zimbabwean athletics, as renowned marathon runner Isaac Mpofu was forced to withdraw from the full marathon after reaching the 25km mark.
Mpofu, who recently took part in the gruelling Comrades Marathon in South Africa, had been widely tipped as one of the favourites for the title but was unable to complete the race.
Guest of honour and Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo, who presented prizes to the winners, hailed the marathon’s continued growth and its contribution to the city’s tourism and economic development.
The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon has grown far beyond being a race. It has become an important platform for promoting our destination, stimulating economic activity and showcasing the very best of Victoria Falls to a global audience,” Moyo said.
“We are particularly encouraged by the strengthening partnership between Council and Econet. This partnership reflects a shared vision: that the success of the marathon should go hand in hand with the continued growth, prosperity and international profile of Victoria Falls.”
Councillor Moyo said the event’s growing popularity, which saw more than 6 000 runners participate this year, highlighted the need for stakeholders to explore ways of accommodating even larger numbers in future editions.
The successful staging of the 18th edition once again reinforced Victoria Falls’ reputation as one of Africa’s leading destinations for both sport and tourism, attracting athletes and visitors from across the region and beyond.
