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Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
AFTER taking part at the IAAF World Championships in London, Mutare-born long distance athlete Millen Matende has shifted focus to local races, starting with the Old Mutual Westgate half marathon.

Matende finished on 47th position after completing the 42,2 km race in two hours 21 minutes.

The athlete is expected back home on Friday. The former Nyamauru High School student said he was now shifting his focus to the Old Mutual Westgate half marathon next month.

“It was a good experience for me since it was my first time to be part of that world event. Now I’m shifting my focus to the local races. This month end, there is the Kariba race,’’ he said.

“I’m not going to take part in that race since I want to recover first, I will take part in the Old Mutual half-marathon in September.’’

The lanky runner’s previous accolades include a silver medal in this year’s Dangamvura Old Mutual 10km race and another silver medal at the Tanganda 21km race.

He came sixth at the Nkulumane Old Mutual 10km race.