The Sunday News
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
ALL is set for Zimbabwe’s biggest ultra-marathon, the PPC Matopos 33-Miler event, which takes place this morning.
More than 2 000 athletes are expected to take part in the event, which encompasses the half marathon, the 10km and 5km races.
The race was last held in 2019 and was iced due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and resumes this year, getting bigger and better with the sponsorship package at US$34 000 of which US$9 000 is directed to the wheelchair category.
Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) chairperson,Watson Madanyika says it is all systems go ahead of the event.
“We are ready for the return of the event after a four-year sabbatical. Preparations have gone well and we expect to have a successful event. Most of those that have registered are local athletes, but we are expecting three athletes from Zambia and a club from Botswana has also indicated that they are coming, but did not state the number of athletes they are bringing,” said Madanyika
He said they were expecting an interesting day filled with fun and sport. He wished well to everyone who will partake in the event.
“It’s not just about running the distance, but it will be a day filled with fun and sport. It is a historic event, and it’s going to live up to its expectations. I wish all the athletes who are going to take part in the marathon the best of luck, l know they have been waiting for this for long and are going to give their all,” said Madanyika.
The course record was set by Tommy Lazarus, with a time of three hours three minutes and 18 seconds in 1984.
Black Rhinos’ long-distance runner Andrew Chimbidzikai, won the 2019 ultra-marathon in the men’s category in 3:12:37.
He, however, failed to beat his 2018 time of 3:12:23, where he also won the race.
Chiedza Chokore of Mr Pace, won the women’s 33 Miler in 3:57:17 beating her record of 4:09:10, set in 2018.
Winners in the open category, men and women will each walk away with US$2 000.-@innocentskizo
