Blessing Waison and Phillipa Dube have been yesterday topped champions for this yr’s First Mutual Marathon at Previous Georgians Sports activities Membership.
Waison of Cadence Athletics Membership crossed the end line in 2 hours 18 minutes 11 seconds within the males’s class.
He expressed his pleasure for rising the winner having struggled on the Cape City Marathon the place he couldn’t final the space final month.
“I’m actually joyful for coming first right this moment. The course modified this yr, I used to be used to the flat course, however right this moment it was a troublesome course, a bit hilly. So, it was powerful. I actually needed to win after failing to carry out in Cape City. The coaching I had forward of Cape City is what I’ve been counting on.
“So, this actually helps as a result of I additionally should make my sponsors joyful.
“Typically in sport we face challenges, however a optimistic efficiency is a mirrored image of the arduous work I put in and the dedication I’ve as an athlete,” mentioned Waison.
Subsequent, Waison is ready to participate on the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon occasion, the place he’s the defending champion within the 21km race.
Waison yesterday was adopted by Jonathan Chinyoka of Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Companies, who posted a time of two hours 21 minutes 19 seconds.
Tawanda Bvunzawabaya of RIOT was third in 2 hours 21 minutes 32 seconds.
Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Dube had a superb day on target when claiming the title within the girls’s race in 2 hours 55 minutes 17 seconds.
“The race was simply powerful, however due to God I’ve managed to be primary. I believe it is simply that it was my day. It was simply my day and it is simply by the grace of God.
“It was so powerful, it was not a straightforward race as a result of there have been additionally Kenyans within the race, however I managed to be primary,” mentioned Dube.
South Africa-based Rutendo Nyahora was second in 3 hours 42 seconds, whereas one other ZRP runner Annie Chirisa settled for third place in 3 hours 10 minutes 41 seconds.
The winners in each women and men’s classes obtained US$600 whereas second and third place obtained US$400 and US$200 respectively.
The 21km race was received by Tendai Zimuto of Black Rhinos in 1 hour 7 minutes 54 seconds beating ZPCS’ Kelvin Pangiso, who got here second in 1 hour 8 minutes 49 seconds and Isaac Langat, who completed third in 1 hour 11 minutes 42 seconds.
The ladies’s title went to Lucky Chidzivo of Mr Tempo Athletics Membership. Chidzivo clocked 1 hour 21 minutes 13 seconds to emerge the winner.
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The half marathon winners obtained US$400 every.
She was adopted by ZPCS’ Caroline Mhandu on second place in 1 hour 22 minutes 59 seconds and Cadence Athletics Membership’s Rudo Mhonderwa was third in 1 hour 26 minutes 54 seconds.
The occasion is hosted by Harare Athletic Membership, and chairperson Walter Chimuka was happy with the turnout.
“It is a comparatively new route, earlier than we used to do a loop of two 21s to make it 42, now it is a lengthy route that does the entire 42km, going via Mandara, Greendale, Greystone Park and again right here.
“Nevertheless it’s a superb turn-out.
“The sector had a few Kenyans . . . It is good that we’re attracting foreigners, it makes everybody, I believe tie their sneakers a bit tight as a result of these guys imply enterprise.
“So, we are literally making an attempt to get this route ratified in order that it’s got a route certificates that certifies it as a full marathon that’s recognised all around the globe. We’ve obtained three different programs that we’re additionally going to get ratified,” mentioned Chimuka.
