Zimbabweans raise flag high
Victor Sibanda
VICTORIA FALLS- Zimbabweans did the nation proud at the annual Victoria Falls Econet Wireless Marathon by winning the major 42km and 21km events yesterday.
Jonathan Chinyoka shrugged off stiff challenges from fellow countrymen, Blessings Waison, veteran Kelvin Pangiso, Prosper Murwira and Mike Fokoroni to win the 42km race in 2hours 18 minutes 10 seconds ahead of Waison who completed his race 10 seconds later in the men’s category.
In the female category, Zimbabwean, Patience Murove romped to victory after completing the 42 km event in 2hours 47 minutes 31 seconds, edging fellow compatriots, Olivia Chitate and Ethel Sibanda who came second and third respectively. Rosina Kiboino from Kenya took the fourth spot after clocking 2hours 50minutes and 11 seconds.
Moses Tarakinyu edged Isaac Mpofu and and Welling Varevi when he arrived at the finishi line in 1 hour, 3 minutes and 43 seconds in the men’s 21km category.
Caroline Mhandu shrugged of challenges from Bertha Sitariko and Constance Nyasango who who came second and third respectively in the females’ 21km category.
The event took off at a high tempo with participants taking a number of routes from the city center to the finish line at the Elephant Hills Golf Course.
Victoria Falls Mayor, Somvelo Dlamini thanked participants for braving the chilly weather to participate. “I want to thank all of you for participating. You made the event a success ,” he said.
The marathon later ushered in renowned music icons who staged a series of perfomances to bring the curtain down on arguably the most significant event in the resort city. The Big 3 Music event featured music icons such as Ammara Brown, Winky D and Jah Prayzah who belted out their popular hit songs which saw some sportspersons discarding their sports attire to display their nimble feet on the dance floor. The gig was initially penciled for Saturday but on second thought, the organisers decided to do it on the day of the race to give athletes deserved time to cool off with a reppatoire of music.
The Victoria Falls Econet Marathon is an annual event in Zimbabwe which draws participants from all over the world. The history of the Victoria Falls Econet Marathon dates back to 2005 and it has morphed into a famous annual event. This year’s event attracted bout 3000 participants.
