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ALL EARS . . . Sebastian Garikai, the Harare Athletic Board’s chairperson (right), addresses a Press conference during the launch of the 2014 Old Mutual Westgate half-marathon on Tuesday in the presence of (from left) Grace Mukahanana, the Old Mutual general manager, Tendai Muzorewa, the Old Mutual marketing executive, and Phoebe Goremusandu, the Old Mutual head of property services

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE sponsorship of the Old Mutual Westgate half-marathon has been increased from last year’s $25 000 to $30 000 this year, with the race set for this Sunday in Harare.
The event reclaimed its status as the country’s richest road race after the sponsors pegged the winning stakes at $3 000 for the main race.

A total of $30 000 has been set aside for prize money from the $150 000 that was budgeted for the 21km road race scheduled for the Westgate Shopping Complex.

The third edition of the race is likely to draw top athletes like last year’s winner Kevin Pangiso and Constance Nyasongo who emerged triumphant in the women’s section of the event and pocketed the $3 000. This year it is expected that Wirimayi Juwawo, who won the inaugural edition of the event in 2012, might bounce back.

Speaking at the official launch of the third edition of the event in Harare on Tuesday evening, Old Mutual general manager, Grace Makahanana, said they were expecting more than 1 500 athletes at this year’s event. “As Old Mutual, we believe we have a responsibility to the communities we serve. The objective of hosting the Westgate half-marathon is to promote the well-being of people and also to have fun.

“A healthy population can only contribute positively to the development of the country. “We remain committed to be responsible corporate citizens and, as in the past year, the categories remain three — the 21 km half-marathon main race, the fun run which will be part of the half-marathon with two sub categories which are the 10km and 5km races,” she said. Makahanana said registration will end on Saturday at Westgate and at other centres.

“As usual we have tried to cater for everyone as we have many race categories. We also derive pleasure from the advice and assistance we receive from our partners and NAAZ.”

The Harare Athletic Board chairperson Sebastian Garikai said their aim was to promote the sport in this country.

“We will take this opportunity to promote sport as a modern, fair, vibrant and inter-related sector with quality opportunities for our local athletes. We thank the sponsors for a well-organised event, we hope to witness an innovative approach to improving the efficiency and quality of running a marathon.”