The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
ALL is set for the eighth edition of the Old Mutual Vumba 21km half marathon with organisers of the event expecting 1 200 athletes to partake in the premier road race.
Last year, a record of 1000 athletes from all over the country competed in the marathon.
Manicaland Athletics Board chairperson, Joshua ‘Zesa’ Matume confirmed that all is set for the potentially exciting event that will take place on next Saturday.
“We are in the process of registering athletes. We are looking forward to a better and bigger event this year. All is set for the event. So far we have 600 athletes registered.
“We are expecting about 1 200 athletes to compete for top honours. I also expect to have a new record for the event. The standing record is 1hour 10 minutes.
“We are ready to host the 21km Vumba Half-Marathon, we have done all the necessary preparations for the race, athletes from all over the country are going to fight for the top honours,” he said.
In the ladies category, Rudo Mhondirwa came out first followed by Caroline Mhandu while Bertha Chikanga came out third.
In the men’s category, Caniscious Nyamutsita won the race. Tatenda Hove came out second while MunyaradziJari came third.
The Old Mutual Vumba Half Marathon is an annual long distance running competition held in the undulating terrain of the Eastern Highlands. It is sponsored by one of leading insurance companies, Old Mutual.
This year’s winners in the main category 21km races will walk away with ZWL$8 000 cash prize. The second prize will be ZWL$6000 and third prize will be ZWL$4000.
The Vumba marathon has always attracted top drawer athletes in the country as it is one of the highly rated long distance races in the country.
