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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
TOP female long and middle distance runner Rutendo Nyahora believes she has what it takes to defend her title in the Old Mutual Westgate half marathon set for Sunday.
Nyahora won the race last year in 1 hour 11 minutes 33 seconds to beat Olympian Sharon Tavengwa who settled for second position.
The seasoned runner said she has been preparing for the event since July and is looking forward to Sunday’s race.
“I am running the half marathon. My preparations have been progressing well and I am 100 percent fit.

“I have been preparing since July when I heard the race was on. I have been focusing on this particular race. I know, being the defending champion, everyone wants to beat you and it’s not going to be easy but I am going to do my best.

“I have been working on endurance and speed. Two weeks back I ran in another Old Mutual race in Mutare.
“The course was tough because from 8km we were running in a golf course but it helped to prepare myself for this coming race,” said Nyahora.

Nyahora, who recently won the Vumba half marathon, said she used the race as part of her preparations for Sunday’s event.
“I came first in the Vumba half marathon in 1 hour 20 minutes but it was because it was a tough course. So for the Westgate race I am hoping to run 1hour 17minutes or 1 hour 16 minutes.

‘For this race I just have to keep myself focused and try not to think about the prize money so that I don’t put myself under pressure. So far I have competed in five races.

“This year I was focusing more on the Spar ladies events,” said Nyahora.
The sponsors have set aside US$25 000 for prizes from the US$100 000 that has been budgeted for the 21km race and winners in both men and women sections will get US$3 000.