Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE National Army (ZNA) roadrunner Leonard Koki believes he is in the right shape to win tomorrow’s PPC Matopos 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon which he is also using to prepare for next month’s Comrades Marathon. Koki, who finished last year’s 33-Miler third behind winner Lyno Muchena of Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and army runner Andrew Chimbidzikai, believes his performance at tomorrow’s race will give him a clear picture on what to expect at the Comrades Marathon.
The Comrades Marathon is set for May 29 in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and attracts top athletes from around the world.
“My target is to win the PPC 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon. Last year I missed it by a few seconds and I think I’ve worked on my mental strength and endurance because this race demands a lot from athletes. I know most guys competing here will also be using it to prepare for the Comrades Marathon which means it’ll be a tough race,” said Koki.
Muchena won last year’s gruelling race in three hours 13 minutes 59 seconds, getting the better of Chimbidzikai and Koki who came second and third respectively in three hours 14 minutes 14 seconds and three hours 16 minutes 34 seconds.
Other top athletes who will compete at the race include the Half-Marathon defending champion Jacon Mugomeri, Kevin Pangiso, Jonathan Chinyoka, Millen Matende, Samkeliso Moyo, Cephas Pasipamire and Trust Chidomaya.
Registration for the race closes this evening at the Bulawayo Athletic Club.
To participate in the Ultra-Marathon and the Half-Marathon, one has to pay $10, with relay teams parting with $50 while Fun Run competitors will have to part with $5.
The full marathon and relay starting point will be at the Moth Shrine in Matopos National Park while the half marathon kicks-off at Woolandale Road along Matopos Road and the fun run will begin at Hamilton High School with the finishing point for all races being at Bulawayo Athletic Club.