The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
THIS year’s PPC Matopos Marathon will take place on 24 March, with preparations already underway for a successful event.
Roger Steyn, the PPC Zimbabwe sales and marketing manager said in order to avoid last year’s glitch, which saw some athletes run the wrong route, they will make sure that all the wrong runs are blocked. Officials from the Bulawayo Athletics Board will also be in the lead cars.
“We want to make sure that we avoid what happened last year by barricading all the wrong turn. All the lead cars will have official from the Bulawayo Athletics Board,’’ Steyn said.
Registration for the difference races on offer on the day is yet to be opened with a press conference also to be held to officially launch the PPC Matopos Marathon. Ultra marathon, half marathon, 10 kilometres and 5km fun run are races on offer on the day of the event.
“We are planning to make it huge this year being our sixth year, we are certainly looking to grow this event,’’ said Steyn.
Last year, Mutare based athlete, Lyno Muchena won the race ahead of second placed Andrew Chimbidzikai of Black Rhinos and 2016 winner Peter Tumbare of the Airforce of Zimbabwe.
The women’s race was won by Lizzy Chokore, with veteran runner Samukeliso Moyo coming second while Monica Kativhu, the 2016 champion was in third place.
Misheck Sithole won the men’s 21km race, Canisious Nyatsamba was second and Jacob Mugomeri third.
In the women’s section, Chiedza Chokore was the winner, Bertha Chikanga took second spot and the seasoned Thabitha Tsatsa finished third.
According to the event website, the Matopos 33 Miler was first run in 1963, along much the identical route as being used for the current race and is the only ultra-marathon in Zimbabwe.
The race starts in the wonderful Matobo National Park, in the heart of the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site. PPC Zimbabwe revived the race in 2013 and has been sponsoring it ever since.-@Mdawini_29
