The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
DEFENDING Tanganda Half Marathon women’s category champion, Olivia Chitate is hoping to make a podium finish in this year’s edition of the long distance running contest.
The Tanganda Tea Half Marathon returns to the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe calendar this year after two years’ absence due to the Covid-19 lockdown that saw all sporting activities being put on ice.
More than 1 000 long distance runners are expected to converge in the eastern border city of Mutare for this year’s edition of the Tanganda Half Marathon pencilled for June 26.
In the women’s category of the previous edition of the Tanganda Half Marathon contest, Chitate outpaced competitors to snatch pole position after crossing the finishing line in 1 hour, 19 minutes and 45 seconds, while Caroline Mhandu came second after completing the race in 1 hour, 20 minutes and 39 seconds.
Rudo Mhondera was third and she completed the race in 1 hour, 21 minutes and nine seconds.
Seasoned middle and long distance runner, Misheck Sithole was the man’s category champion after crossing the finishing line in 1 hour, six minutes and 11 seconds, while Ngonidzashe Ncube came second after completing the race in 1 hour, six minutes and 31 seconds.
Abel Chibanda was third. He completed the race in 1 hour six minutes and 48 seconds.
With a personal best time of 1 hour 14 minutes for a half marathon, the Zimbabwe Republic Police officer recently won the Exide Half Marathon and Old Mutual Half Marathon races.
Given that background and her form, the 34-year-old Chitate was expected to boldly declare her ambitions of winning the Tanganda race again, but the media-shy athlete chose to remain humble, insisting that she will be comfortable with a top three finish.
“I will be taking part again in this year’s Tanganda Half Marathon. My aim is just to compete well and if God permits to be in top three.
“I know it will not be easy given the terrain in Manicaland and the competition coming from fellow seasoned athletes, but I just have to give it my best shot,” said Chitate.
Chitate did her primary education from Grade One to Five at Jingo Primary in Bindura before enrolling at Kuwadzana Five Primary to finish her primary education.
For her Form One and Two studies, Chitate enrolled at Dzivarasekwa High One and went on to undertake her Form Three and Four studies at Kuwadzana High.
The Tanganda Tea Half Marathon attracts runners from across the country and from neighbouring countries as athletes usually participate in the 5km, 10km and 21km events.
Meanwhile, preparations for the Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner General’s Half Marathon to be held in Mutare next month are at an advanced stage.
The race, which is set for Dangamvura Shopping Complex is scheduled for June 11, a week before the Tanganda Half Marathon.
