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NUMERO UNO . . . Jacob Mugomeri powers to victory in the Old Mutual Westgate Half Marathon in Harare yesterday

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
UNHERALDED Jacob Mugomeri won the third edition of the Old Mutual Westgate Half Marathon in Harare yesterday.
Rutendo Nyahora captured the women’s race.
Mugomeri, of Zimpost Athletics Club in Kadoma, won the big race in 1 hour 13 mins 13s to pocket the US$3 000 cash prize.
The 22-year-old former Kuredza and Rimuka 2 High School student beat several seasoned athletes with Elijah Mabhunu coming second, Luwis Masunda third and Kevin Pangiso fourth.

Mugomeri came close to glory when he finished in the top three in the Tanganda, Victoria Falls and the Kariba Half Marathons.
“It was high time I won a national event and I am very happy as my aim was just to complete in the race but here I am with the winner’s medal,” said Mugomeri.
“This is surely the grace of God and I’m extremely happy. In fact, I still can’t believe that I won this race.”

Mugomeri was part of the break-away group that formed just after the two-kilometre mark but the winner then escaped the attention of the rest after the 10km spot and never looked back.

Nyahora won the women’s race, this time around, after failing in last year’s attempt to defend her title.
The seasoned athlete won the inaugural edition of the event in 2012 before she came third last year but powered to top spot this year.

Nyahora finished the race in 1hr 15 mins 35s.
“I am so happy, there was so much pressure as the field had several good athletes who gave me a good challenge.

“I am now targeting the Gutu Half Marathon and I hope I will continue with my good form,” Nyahora said.
Nyahora got US$3 000.

Olivia Chitate was second in the race as last year’s winner Constance Nyasago finished third in 1 hr 15 mins 48s.
Nyahora started on a high note, breaking away at four kilometre mark, and never looked back.

Seasoned wheelchair athletes Elford Moyo and Margaret Bangajena retained their titles in the 21km race for the male and female categories.
The 10km race titles went to Tendai Zimuto, in a time of 28 minutes, and he received US$200.

Yesterday’s race was the richest athletics competition on the domestic calendar.