Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S long-distance runner Tendai Zimuto has set his sights on rewriting the history books.
The Black Rhinos Athletics Club runner confirmed he will target the national marathon record at the upcoming BMW Berlin Marathon in Germany.
The 2026 BMW Berlin Marathon will take place on September 27.
His primary objective is hitting the strict entry standard for the World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China.
The Olympic Solidarity Scholarship recipient currently holds a personal best of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 30 seconds.
To qualify automatically, he must shave nearly three minutes off his best time.
This requires him to surpass the current national record of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 47 seconds.
That record is held by Olympian Isaac Mpofu, a close training partner of Zimuto.
The current competitive season threw an early curveball at the 31-year-old.
Under the guidance of veteran coach Benson Chauke, Zimuto has successfully recalibrated his season. He recently staged a dominant return to form on home soil by winning the prestigious Econet Victoria Falls Marathon.
Zimuto clocked 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 9 seconds to win the title for the second time in his career, signaling that his endurance preparation is right back on schedule.
“I will be racing at the Berlin Marathon where the target is qualification to the World Athletics Championships and then ultimately the Olympics,” Zimuto stated. “So we are working hard training with that target in mind. I know that for me to qualify, I will have to better the national record.”
With the Berlin showcase just around the corner, Zimuto is shifting his training camp into high gear.
The BMW Berlin Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and a sought-after, premium running event!
This prestigious event takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026 with 55 000 runners from around the world!
In fact, around 60 000 athletes from 160 countries, including Zimbabwe, are expected to compete at this year’s event. – Agencies
