Boob spoils PPC Matopos 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon

Sport
NINE long-distance runners pulled out of the PPC Matopos 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon in protest after being led off the course route for close to 20km in the early hours of yesterday morning.

NINE long-distance runners pulled out of the PPC Matopos 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon in protest after being led off the course route for close to 20km in the early hours of yesterday morning.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

Lyno Muchena after winning the 2017 edition of the PPC Matopos 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon in Bulawayo yesterday
Lyno Muchena after winning the 2017 edition of the PPC Matopos 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon in Bulawayo yesterday

The nine – Bruce Mature, Allen Magwere, Rorisang Nyathi, Fickson Rukanga, Blessing Silent, Farai Mukawa, Tawanda Gweshe, Changu Chiungudza and Emmanuel Topereswa – withdrew from the race after running close to 20km off route from the start, following the lead car.

Lyno Muchena of Mutare won the race in 3:13:28, beating second-placed Andrew Chimbidzikai of Black Rhinos who clocked 3:14:49 and last year’s winner Peter Tumbare of the Airforce of Zimbabwe crossed the finishing line in 3:15:22.

The three were part of the 22 who were catapulted upfront after the technical glitch, an incident that was confirmed by Bulawayo Athletic Board (BAB) chairman Manuel Mpofu.

“We are aware of the incident and it’s a lesson learnt although it has never happened over the years. But those who were in the top 10 deserved it and there aren’t many complaints from the other athletes,” Mpofu said.

“We take the blame as the BAB because this is our event. We are supposed to make sure the banners are there and there is someone from the association in the lead vehicle to give directions,” he said.

PPC managing director Kelibone Masiyane said they are also aware of the glitch and the organising committee would be reviewing the tournament.

He also said they were excited about the race which attracted over 1 000 athletes in all categories.

“We do appreciate that there can be glitches here and there; we will try and improve. We are excited and will continue to sponsor the race. For us, this is giving back to the community because of the support that we are getting. The organising committee will sit and review the tournament,” Masiyane said.

Muchena, who won the race, said the technical hiccup had also affected his performance.

“The race was tough and what made it worse was that we got lost. We stopped our watches at 1:01:00 and when we resumed, our knees were locked and it was difficult to adjust. But I became comfortable in the last 15km and I think I am now ready for the Comrades Marathon where I am targeting a top 10 finish,” Muchena said.

The women’s race was won by Lizzy Chikore in 4:00:16, with veteran runner Samukeliso Moyo coming second in 4:02:54 and last year’s winner Monica Kativhu clocking 4:04:49 in third.

Misheck Sithole won the men’s 21km race in 1:03:50, with Canisious Nyatsamba on the second spot in 1:04:46 and Jacob Mugomeri third in 1:05:07.

In the women’s section, the title was clinched by Chiedza Chokore in 1:19:13, with Betha Chikanga coming second in 1:19:26 and Thabitha Tsatsa on third spot in 1:23:54.