TENDAI Zimuto and Ethel Pangiso delivered commanding performances to emerge as the winners in the Nyaradzo 25th anniversary race held at Seal Lifestyle Park in Chishawasha, Harare, yesterday, winning the men’s and women’s main 42.2km competitions, respectively.
Zimuto, representing Black Rhinos Athletics Club, produced a powerful surge in the closing stages to cross the finishing line in 2 hours 23 minutes and 19 seconds (2.23.19), edging Owen Slowly of Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) by a single second after he clocked 2 hours 23 minutes and 20 seconds (2.23.20). Author Chitara of Cadence Club settled for third place in a respectable 2 hours 25 minutes and 8 seconds (2.25.08).
In the women’s 42.2km race, the Zimbabwe Republic Police dominated the podium with Pangiso storming to gold in a time of 3 hours 3 minutes and 7 seconds (3.03.07), finishing ahead of teammate Philipa Dube, who crossed in 3 hours 3 minutes and 40 seconds (03.03.40), while third-placed Annie Chirisa completed the ZRP clean sweep, coming home in 3 hours 4 minutes and 45 seconds (03.04.45).
Black Rhinos’ Moses Tarakinyu showcased impressive endurance to claim victory in the men’s 25km category, clocking 1 hour 16 minutes and 35 seconds (1.16.35), finishing about 54 seconds ahead of Isaac Mpofu of ZRP, with Abel Chibanda of AFC coming in third.
In the women’s 25km race, Florence Nyingire of Nedbank powered to gold in 1 hour 36 minutes and 32 seconds, just 9 seconds ahead of Caroline Mhandu from ZPCS with Melody Kaseke of ZRP securing third place in 1 hour 37 minutes and 10 seconds (1.37.10).
In the men’s 25km wheelchair category, Samson Muroiwa of Goromonzi Athletics Club was first across the finishing line in 1 hour 35 minutes and 44 seconds, followed by Elfort Moyo of Racers Club, who clocked 1.30.13, while Munyaradzi Katiyo of Tsvaira Club claimed third position.
In the women’s 25km wheelchair race, Thandiwe Ndlovhu stormed to gold, with Stella Jongwe taking silver and Margaret Bangajena of Racers Club securing bronze.
A triumphant Zimuto admitted the marathon tested his limits but credited his triumph to discipline and endurance.
“The race was very tough as it demands someone’s endurance. However, I am very happy about winning this massive 42.2km race. It is a sign that hard work pays off,” Zimuto said.
By Patrick Mubwandarikwa