Veteran athletes Moses Tarakinyu and Fortunate Chidzivo emerged victorious at the fourth annual Post Insurance Mr Pace half marathon held yesterday at Alex Sports Club in the capital.
The fourth edition of the event attracted approximately 500 participants across its various categories, which included 10km, 5km, and wheelchair races.
The marathon received a substantial boost from sponsors Nicoz Diamond, Global Risk Underwriting Managers (Gruma), and Zimpost’s Post Insurance brand, contributing a combined US$20,000.
This year’s competition also saw international participation, with Kenyan athlete Isaac Langat securing third place in the elite men's 21 km race.
In the men's 21 km race, seasoned half marathon runner Tarakinyu clinched the title with a remarkable time of 59 minutes and 36 seconds.
Last year’s champion, Wayne Kabondo, finished second, while Golden Mhonderwa of Bowera Sporting Club and Owen Slowly from ZRP secured fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Tarakinyu expressed satisfaction with his performance, particularly after overcoming a strong field to claim the US$700 top prize.
“I am happy to have won this race, it was a really competitive race but I was well prepared. Winning is particularly pleasing because I was up against some really strong athletes such as the defending champion (Wayne Kabondo)," he said.
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“I am particularly grateful to the sponsors Zimpost, Nicoz Diamond and Gruma for their continued support for this event and we hope they keep going at it and also encourage their fellow corporates to come forward and also support us as athletes because this is how we earn our living," Tarakinyu added.
Chidzivo successfully defended her title in the women’s 21km race, completing the course in 1 hour and 10 minutes. Caroline Mhandu secured second place, followed by Mirriam Sibanda in third.
Ethel Pangiso and Shylette Dzivengwa took fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Gruma managing director Muvengwa Marumahoko was delighted with the growth of the event over the last four years.
"It’s our fourth year and we have exceeded the numbers that we were targeting as we hit 500 participants. We are also thrilled with just how competitive the races turned out to be as we had top elite athletes giving it all for the top prize," he said.
“But we are also particularly happy to see a growing number of social runners coming in as we strive to promote general wellness and fitness. And we believe that these events are critical as they allow us to encourage more youngsters to take up sport and steer away from bad habits while also earning a living."
Nicoz Diamond managing director David Nyabadza, commended the impressive turnout and emphasized the significance of youth involvement in such initiatives.
“We are very happy about the turnout as we have got much more people than we had last year. This is a very important event for us especially at a time when we have got youths who are idle and hooked on all sorts of substances,” Nyabadza said.
“So our belief is that we can lead in providing a platform for them to use their time more productively and also to nurture the talent that is there.”
Maxwell Chitendeni, Zimpost’s Postmaster General, highlighted the half marathon as a gesture of community engagement.
“We are here to celebrate a spirit of healthy lifestyle, but most importantly, to give back to the community in which we operate. This year’s theme talks about promoting physical mental health, wellness and socialisation’ and this resonates deeply with all of us," he said.
