The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
A BIGGER race is in the offing in the Old Mutual Nkulumane Half Marathon that will be held early next month following the addition of the 21km event.
The race is this year pencilled for 3 June. The race has previously been termed a fun run incorporating only the 10km and 5km events but the inclusion of the half marathon is likely to see more professional athletes joining the fray.
The race has steadily grown over the years since its resuscitation in 2014, when it attracted 300 runners and last year there were over 1 200 participants. Runners will however, be dampened by the introduction of a registration fee as the race has previously not been charging entry fee for participants, a situation that could have spurred on many people to join the race.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman, Manuel Mpofu said they have begun preparations for the race with consultations on the amount to be set as the registration fee being discussed.
“The introduction of the half marathon will see the introduction of an entry fee but we are yet to decide how much it is going to be but I believe the main sponsors, Old Mutual would love to see it remain at a minimal. But the main event, the 21kms is not likely to charge beyond $5 for entries,” he said.
Mpofu said the 21km race is certain to attract a host of professional athletes who will also be using it for preparation for other races.
He said the Nkulumane race has remained a favourite of the athletes due to the hilly nature of the route that has several steep rises making it a good terrain for athletes’ preparations. Mpofu said registration is going to open on 21 May, a fortnight before the race.
He added prizes are also going to be finalised and announced before registration opens. The 21km runners will use the 10km route that begins at the Nkulumane Shopping Complex, turns left into Masiye Phambili Drive and right at Rangemore Road, then left towards Bullet Shops, turning right towards the Catholic Church where runners turn right.
Instead of turning right at the intersection of Khami Road and Intemba Road, athletes will go straight and turn left into Pumula South where they will make an about turn at Dumezweni Primary School and head back to the shopping mall using Khami Road. The 10km and 5km routes remain the same.
Speaking on the expansion of the race last year, Mpofu said it was a big gesture from sponsors, Old Mutual whom he lauded for their continued partnership with athletics as it has had a positive contribution towards the development of the sport.
He said their hope is for the race to develop and expand into a full marathon event recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations. Last year independent runner Canicious Nyamutsa won the men’s Old Mutual Nkulumane 10km Fun Run to take the $500 prize money.
He beat a host of experienced runners, who included Kadoma-based Jacob Mugomeri of Zimpost, who came second and won himself $400, while Misheck Sithole was third.
In the women’s category, Bertha Chikanga romped to victory, with Rudo Mhondero finishing second and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) runner Patience Garauzive beating defending champion Olivia Chitate of ZRP for third place.
Old Mutual, who support big races in South Africa such as the Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades, also bankroll the Vumba half marathon, Chitungwiza 10km fun run and Westgate half marathon in Zimbabwe.
