The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
LEADING from the start proved to be the trick for Wellington Varevi when the Black Rhinos runner won the Coca-Cola Four-Minute Mile Challenge ahead of 19 other athletes at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Main Arena yesterday.
The 24-year-old Varevi, winner of the same race in 2014 when he was only 20 and running for Blanket Mine took the top prize in a time of four minutes 12,64 seconds. He won $800 which was accompanied by a shield. Varevi led from the beginning of the competition together with Nomore Wiriki but the latter fell off the leading pack towards the end.
With his trademark long stockings which endeared him to the crowd, Varevi said it was part of his strategy to lead from the start so that he could set a manageable pace.
“It was the strategy to lead from the start and set the pace that was comfortable to finish the race. A big thank you to Coca-Cola because they encourage us, we also get some training because we know they support us,’’ Varevi said.
Last year’s winner Trust Chidomaya surged ahead in the last lap but his rush forward came late with the 42-year-old unable to overtake Varevi.
Chidomaya finished second in four minutes 14,70 seconds which had him smiling away with $400 in his pocket.
In third place was Isaac Mpofu in four minutes 15,12 seconds which saw him take $400. Nyasha Mutsetse of Rusape, who had the best qualifying time ahead of the semi-finals, took fourth spot in four minutes 15,38 seconds with his reward being $300.
Fifth was Tendai Zimuto in four minutes 17,26 seconds with his prize being $250.
Wiriki took sixth spot in four minutes 18,48 seconds to pocket $200, followed by Tatenda Hove in four minutes 18,58 seconds with the Black Rhinos athlete picking up $125.
Elijah Mabhunu of the Zimbabwe Republic Police claimed eighth place in a time of four minutes 19,81 seconds to take home $100 while $75 went to his teammate Blessmore Chidziva. Another ZRP runner Tapiwa Manyanga took the last spot with a prize, picking up $50 for being tenth in the race.
Coca-Cola activation manager Vee Chibanda presented the prizes with Delta Beverages regional sales manager south, Thembiso Muzvagwa, Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman Manuel Mpofu and his deputy Tivawone Gava. -@Mdawini_29
