The Sunday News
PPC Matopos 33-Miler holder Charles Soza is ready to defend his crown despite a huge field expected to take part in the race this morning.
Soza said he was expecting stiff competition from several athletes that include Nkosiyazi Sibanda, Wirimayi Juwawo, Elijah Mabhunu and ZRP Fairbridge duo of Ngoni Ncube and Isaac Mpofu but will run his own race and stick to his plan.
The ultra-marathon is scheduled to start at 5.30 this morning at the Moth Shrine in the Matopos National Park.
Speaking soon after registering to take part in the race at Pretoria Portland Cement head office in the city, Soza said he has been working hard at training and was confident of defending his crown.
“I know there are a lot of athletes converging here for this race who are eager to snatch the title from me but I have done my homework and believe I can bag it again,” said the Mutare Harlem Athletics Club runner.
In the women’s section, defending champion, Monica Kativhu confirmed she will be taking part in the race and is expected to race with Constance Nyasango and Olivia Chitate, who was recently in China for the World Cross Country championships among other athletes expected to feature in the marathon.
Bulawayo Athletics Board competitions director Watson Madenyika said they were expecting a bigger contingent to take part in the race as several had already registered by midday yesterday while more had confirmed participation in the race.
Race director, Sizwakele Ndlovu said they had registered close to 400 athletes expected to take part in the four race categories that includes the ultra-marathon (53km), half marathon (21km), relay and the fun run (5km).
“We are expecting quite a large number of athletes as the marathon grows bigger it attracts more interest. We are happy PPC is continuing to fund the race and hope it will be there for the long run,” he said.
The competition is sponsored to the tune of $10 000.
Winners in both categories — men and women — of the 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon will each pocket $750.
Ndlovu said they were happy with the overwhelming response both from the professional athletes and members of the public who are turning up for the fun run.
“The response has been tremendous on both fronts and we are particularly happy the stature of the race is growing and with time we expect it to attract athletes from outside the country. I think taking part in the fun run shows people are adopting healthy lifestyles something that is a welcome development,” she said.
The PPC Matopos 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon was re-introduced three years ago after a long sabbatical and will be used as a preparatory race for the Comrades Marathon and other international events.
The course has been measured and certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and this has raised the status of the marathon to being a qualifying event for international races, including the Comrades.
The race was first run in 1963 and was organised by the Raylton Rovers Running Club (RRRC). The winner of the inaugural race was Charlie Chase from Germiston, South Africa in a time of 3hrs, 44 minutes and 56 seconds.
Last year Charles Soza and Monica Kativhu came first in the men’s and ladies section respectively.
The full marathon and relay starting point will be at the Moth Shrine in Matopos National Park while the half marathon kicks-off at Woolandale Road along Matopos Road and the fun run will begin at Hamilton High School with the finishing point for all races being at Bulawayo Athletic Club.
