Road to the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon continues

16 Jun, 2024 - 00:06 0 Views
Road to the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon continues Some of the members of the Bulawayo Fitness First Running Club who took part in this year’s Comrades Marathon. A total of 25 members ran the marathon. Their next target is next month’s Econet Victoria Falls Marathon

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

ORGANISERS of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon successfully held their Bulawayo edition of the Road To Victory Boot Camp at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds yesterday.

This year’s race will take place in the resort city on 7 July. Fitness enthusiasts and athletes took time to attend the Boot Camp where they went through various body conditioning activities.

Participants expressed great anticipation for the event, saying the boot camp came at the right time.

“The camp was good. I think it was good preparation for the marathon. I am looking forward to this year’s edition of the Victoria Falls marathon,” said Nkosilathi Mathiya, who has taken part in different races countrywide.

Linnet Mpofu, a half-marathon runner said she was up to the task and will be running for the first time at the Econet race.

“I am thrilled that I will be running and what makes it exciting is that it’s my first time. I came to the boot camp to make sure that I get the fitness I need.”

The 2024 Marathon, running under the theme: “Road to Victory”, offers a variety of distances to cater to any runners.

Econet has advised participants to choose from the famed, full 42,2km event, the half marathon (21,1km), a collaborative team relay with four runners doing 10.5km each, or the more popular 7.5km Family Fun Run.

Now in its 16th year, the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon has cemented its reputation as a top African running event.

The race’s renowned scenic route takes runners on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes and wild life surrounding the iconic Victoria Falls, allowing participants to enjoy its grandeur up-close.

Harare-based Cadence Athletics Club runner Blessing Waison improved his time by three minutes from last year’s performance to win the 2023 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon in 2 hours 15 minutes 11 seconds.

Waison beat second-placed Elijah Mabhunu by more than two minutes (2:17:21) while Lyno Muchena was third in 2 hours 17 minutes 30 seconds.

Prosper Mutwira once again finished fourth in 2 hours 17 minutes 41 seconds while another veteran Mike Fokoroni dropped from fifth last year to eighth, in 2 hours 22 minutes 32 seconds.

Ethel Pangiso was the women’s winner in 2 hours 41 minutes 51 seconds. — @innocentskizoe

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