VETERAN long-distance runners Cuthbert Nyasango and Wirimayi Zhuwawo have turned their focus on the Old Mutual Vumba 21km half-marathon race set for this Sunday at Leopard Rock Hotel in Vumba.
BY KENNETH NYANGANI
The two athletes had opted to take part in the Simon Muzenda Gutu half-marathon, which was supposed to take place on the same day as the Vumba marathon. The two later changed their minds after National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) president Tendai Tagara announced the postponement of the Gutu half-marathon. The race, which was supposed to happen on October 26, has since been moved to November 30, forcing them to register for the Vumba marathon.
In an interview with Standardsport on Friday, Nyasango, who hails from Manicaland, said he was aiming to finish the race and believes that the tournament will be tough.
“It’s unfortunate that the Gutu race has been postponed to a later date. l had earlier opted to take part in that particular race, but now I am left with no option but to register for the Vumba marathon,’’ he said.
His counterpart, the Gutu half- marathon defending champion, Zhuwawo said he was expecting a tough challenge.
“It’s now obvious that most of the athletes will now turn their focus on the Vumba race and I will be one of them. What it all spells out is that it will be a tough race,’’ he said.
Last year, the race attracted over 100 athletes from all over the country, and it was eventually won by battle hardened Sharon Tawengwa in the female category, while Edwin Chimombo won in the male category.
