Nkosilathi Sibanda: Sports Reporter
LONG distance athletes believe they will break records and improve their personal bests in this year’s edition of the prestigious Tanganda Tea half-marathon set for Mutare on June 26.
Tagged as one of Zimbabwe’s premier long distance contests, the Tanganda Tea half-marathon attracts more than 1,000 runners from across the country and abroad. Athletes participate in the 5KM, 10KM and 21KM events.
Tanganda Tea Company have poured in $15,000 for this year’s race and announced that the prize money remains unchanged. The race returned to the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) calendar in 2012.
Seasoned athletes have upped their preparation for the competition, with the just-ended Old Mutual Nkulumane 10KM Fun Run being the last test pedestal for the Mutare encounter.
Olympian Wirimai Juwawo said the Tanganda Tea half-marathon will test his ability to run on a hard adulating surface. Juwawo will represent Zimbabwe at the Rio Olympics in August.
Juwawo came second in last year’s edition, cloaking one hour five minutes and nine seconds, eight seconds behind winner Kelvin Pangiso. Juwawo is yet to beat his personal record of one hour two minutes and 43 seconds set in 2012.
In the ladies’ category, revered runner Sharon Tavengwa’s record of one hour 18 minutes and seven seconds is yet to be broken.
“I’m ready for the Tanganda half-marathon. I’ve always been ready for all the competitions. These races give us athletes the right platform to test our ability. There is nothing I would want more than to win and improve my record,” said Juwawo, who won the Old Mutual Nkulumane 10KM Fun Run.
Pangiso, who has for long dominated Zimbabwe’s long distances, said his aim is to clinch gold again.
“I’m preparing well by taking part in some races organised countrywide. With the Tanganda half-marathon, I must say this will be a show of strength and to prove that I can retain the number one spot in a row,” said Pangiso.
Wheelchair runners Melford Moyo and Thandiwe Ndlovu will also be contenders for gold in the race. Moyo has won most editions of the Tanganda Tea half-marathon, recording a finish of one hour nine minutes and 40 seconds last year. Ndlovu came first in the women’s race in one hour 19 minutes and 59 seconds. Tsitsi Kumadiro, a representative of the organisers, said their aim was to campaign for a healthy lifestyle through running and promoting athletics in the county.
“We emphasise that the race is open to all Zimbabweans who want to keep fit by taking part in such competitions. Our aim is to help promote talent in communities and help to select athletes to represent the country in international marathons,” Kumadiro said.
Joshua Matume, the Manicaland Athletics Board boss, yesterday confirmed that the province was ready to host one of the country’s flagship athletics events.
“We’re working hand-in-hand with the sponsors and all is going well. We can announce with confidence that we’re ready. It’s our desire to have more athletes taking part and we’re encouraging people not to shy away, but to register in time,” said Matume.
Other marathon runners expected to take part include Nkosiyazi Sibanda, Elijah Mabhunu, Cuthbert Nyasango, Lyno Muchena and Millen Matende.
In the ladies group, title holder Rutendo Nyahora is set to face stiff competition from Patience Murova, Olivia Chitate, Faith Nyasango and Tabitha Tsatsa.
Winners of the 2015 half-marathon in both the male and female categories each pocketed $550.
The runner that breaks the record will win an additional $100..