The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
THE country’s biggest road running race, the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon makes a huge return this morning when thousands of runners take part.
Before it was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, the race was attracting over 3 000 runners drawn from Zimbabwe and all parts of the world. Due to a huge interest from people who wanted to register for the race, registration, which was meant to close on 19 June was extended to allow those who wanted to enter to do so. Races on offer today are the 42,2km marathon, 21,1km half marathon, half marathon relay and 7,5km fun run.
Yesterday, there was a hive of activity in the resort town as the athletes collected their race packs as there is no collection on race day. Prizes worth US$10 500 are on offer for the top 10 in the full marathon while for the half marathon the first 10 to cross the finish line will share US$4 500.
Winners of the 42,2km will pocket US$1 250 that will go to the male and the female runners.
For the half marathon, the winners will smile all the way home with US$500.
Baobab Primary School
The race has a new route which is meant to avoid high traffic areas. Over the years, Victoria Falls Primary School was the ending point for all the four races but this year, Baobab Primary School is where the race is finishing this year.
Ahead of the race, the organisers gave Baobab Primary School a huge facelift by renovating the ablution facilities at the school which were in a dilapidated state. — Follow on Twitter @Mdawini_29
