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Takudzwa Chitsiga-Sports Reporter

ALL is set for the annual Exide Marathon that will be held tomorrow at Old Georgians Sports Club in Harare with over 1 500 athletes expected to take part in the third edition of the race.

Men’s 42km defending champion is Lyno Muchena after veteran athlete, Jonathan Chinyoka, won the inaugural race in 2019.

The 2020 edition was not held because of Covid-19.

 Tomorrow athletes will take part in the 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km races and winners will receive cash prizes. 

Battery manufacturers, Chloride Zimbabwe, through their Exide Battery brand, are the main sponsors of the marathon and they have brought on board Harare Athletics Club to help with logistics, to hold a successful event. 

The event was first held in February 2019 at Mt Pleasant Sports Club and it saw several top athletes, including veteran Elias Sawari, and Lucy Maruwa, taking part. 

Athletes who will take part in the 42km race were expected to collect their race packs yesterday and those who will compete in the 5km, 10km 21km races are expected to collect their packs today. 

Mutare-born athlete Muchena won the 2021 event in 2 hours 25minutes is hopeful of improving his time in tomorrow’s race.

Last year, Muchena came home first ahead of Blessing Waison and Blessing Tapodzwa and said he has been working hard at training with his club Mr Price Athletics Club in his bid to retain the title.

“I am happy to be part of this year’s Exide Marathon which I won last year and I am looking forward to defend my title,” said Muchena.