Nkulumane Fun Run registration begins

21 May, 2017 - 00:05 0 Views
Nkulumane Fun Run registration begins Manuel Mpofu

The Sunday News

Manuel Mpofu 17 may

Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THE 2017 Old Mutual Nkulumane Fun Run, scheduled for 4 June, is targeting 1 000 runners after registering 730 participants last year.

Registration for the race opens tomorrow at Green Zone Centres in Bulawayo and Harare, Old Mutual Centre (Bulawayo) as well as Nkulumane Shopping Mall.

As has been the norm there is no fee for taking part in the fun run which has 10km and 5km races.

Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman Manuel Mpofu said after registering 730 athletes last year they are eagerly anticipating 1 000 runners for this year’s race.

“Last year we had the best attendance of 730 runners and this was coming from 520 who took part in 2015 so our expectations are not misplaced,” he said.

Mpofu said they expect increased participation of schools which will boost the race numbers.

Old Mutual, the sponsors of the race, confirmed this year’s total prize package is pegged at $8 500.

Old Mutual Property general manager Gilbert Gumpo said this year’s race coincides with the launch of the massive Nkulumane and Pumula South housing development which is meant to ease the urban housing pressure and bring more footfalls to the mall.

“The race is part of an exciting annual community wellness programme run by the company that also includes other races such as Chitungwiza Fun Run slated for 9 July, Westgate Half Marathon set for 3 September and the Dangamvura Fun Run that was held on 7 May.

“Old Mutual sponsors the race (Nkulumane Fun Run) also to support shop owners and residents who have been loyal to the mall since it was commissioned in 1997,” he said.

Gumpo said apart from the race, there will be entertainment from seasoned DJs, children’s games, water slides and jumping castles.

“Food and drinks will be available for sale, to create a perfect platform for a family day out,” he said.

Resuscitated in 2012, the race is sanctioned by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) through Bab and will be run under the International Associations of Athletics Federations rules and regulations.

Besides the professional runners, the disabled, veterans, masters, mistresses, grand masters, grand mistresses, non-professional athletes and schoolchildren are all catered for in the race.

Last year Olympian, Wirimai Juwawo won the 10km race in 30 minutes 18 seconds to take the $500 first prize in the men’s race followed by Jacob Mugomeri, in 30 minutes 22 seconds and Kelvin Pangiso came third in 30 minutes 34 seconds.

In the women’s category, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services athlete Patience Murova clocked 36 minutes 15 seconds, while ZRP’s Olivia Chitate was second in 36 minutes 41 seconds and independent runner, Chiedza Chokore was third in 37 minutes 06 seconds.

@rasmthembo

 

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds