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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
TWO of Zimbabwe’s top ultra-distance runners Collen Makaza and Precious Mukuza are in Qatar, Doha, where they will take part in the 10th IAU 50km World Final Trophy event tomorrow.
Makaza and Mukuza were recently selected by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe to compete at this prestigious event which brings together some of the world’s top ultra-distance runners.

Seasoned road runner Makaza will be taking part in this event for the third time after having taken part in it in Galway City, Ireland, in 2010 where he won it in 2 hours 47 minutes and at Nice, France, in 2012 where he came second behind a British athlete.  Speaking from Qatar yesterday, Makaza said he was in good shape and was aiming at regaining the title he first won in 2010 in Galway City.

“I’m in good shape and I’m looking forward to run in this tough event on Friday where I’m aiming at winning it again after having taken the first step on the podium in 2010 in Ireland. I’ve prepared well for this year’s event and I’m confident of finishing among the top three,” Makaza said.

Makaza and Mukuza were picked by NAAZ to take part in tomorrow’s event after posting some good times at the Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa.

The 34-year-old Makaza started running at primary and secondary school level, competing in provincials in 800m and 1500m events in Musana communal area in Bindura before he started professional running in 1999.

Meanwhile, the 50km World Final Trophy road runnning event is staged by the International Association of  Ultrarunners under the patronage of the International Association of Athletics Federations. This year’s final coincides with the Aspire International 6:50 Race.

People in Qatar will have the unique opportunity to compete with the world’s top 50km runners. Local participants will attempt to run approximately seven times the length of the Doha Corniche in under six hours.