The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
BATTLE-HARDENED long distance runner Lionel Muchena scooped pole position in the main event of the inaugural Speak It Loud half marathon held today at Mutare Sports Club.
The 21km contest, which is aimed at raising awareness against Gender Based Violence was organised and bankrolled by several civic organisations and corporates led by Voluntary Service Oversees and Speak It Loud Network.
In the 21km race, Muchena crossed the line after one hour, nine minutes and 18 seconds, setting a record for the event that is set to be held annually.
Wilson Mupwadwa came second after completing the race 10 minutes later.
In the females category Nivea Maganzo outpaced other competitors to complete the race in one hour, 44 minutes and 43 seconds while second-placed Sophia Nyabeza crossed the finish line after one hour, 58 minutes and 20 seconds.
VSO Resource Mobilisation Advisor Mavis Madaure, whose organisation operates in a total of 24 countries while their presence in Zimbabwe is felt in Manicaland, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central provinces, said: “This event comes as we commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence and we are happy that we have managed to use the power of sport to raise awareness against the scourge. We are urging all in attendance to take the message about eliminating f Gender Based Violence back to their communities. We really want to thank all stakeholders that have been part of this successful event.”
Speak It Loudly chairlady Tapiwa Yemeke, said: “This is the first Speak It Loud event that we have done here in Manicaland and we are grateful for the support that we have received from all stakeholders. As a Network, our mission is to amplify young women’s voices as we fight Gender Based Violence and child marriages.”
Guest of honour at the event, principal administration officer in the Ministry of Local Government and National Housing Sikon Sigauke commended the organisers of the event for upholding Covid-19 preventative protocols during the exciting contest.
