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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter

MANICALAND Athletics Board chairman Joshua Matume says they are hopeful of another exciting edition of the Old Mutual Vumba Mountain Run half-marathon today with most of the country’s top athletes expected to take part.  The winners in the 21km race, which is the main event, will get $1 500 for both men and women. There is also 10km and 5km races on offer.  Matume said they are expecting an increase in terms of the numbers as the race has continued to grow in leaps and bounds over the years.

“We are expecting about 800 participants. Last year we had 700, this year we are looking at 800.

“The event is actually growing to our expectations. We are in a very good partnership with our sponsors. Each and every year it’s growing,” said Matume.  With most of the country’s top long and middle-distance runners set to grace the event as they prepare for regional international events, Matume said it’s going to be a tough competition.

“This is going to be a tough race, each and every time the athletes will be fighting to improve their times. We are actually expecting the defending champion Canisious Nyamutsita, Lyno Muchena and Rutendo Nyahora… Those are some of the athletes we are expecting.

“It helps us to shape up our athletes… Some will be preparing for international and regional events and they take advantage of this race. Most of our top athletes in the country will be here, it’s like the last top event in the country,” Matume said. Nyamutsita first won the race in 2016 before retaining the title last year. However, he is not reading much into his past performances going into today’s race.

“I have not been able to really prepare specifically for this race because I had another race in South Africa a week ago. So it’s very tricky but of course it’s all about winning. It may not go my way but winning is always the target.

“Vumba is very tough, it’s a mountain run so it’s more about endurance and mental strength. The other top athletes will also be there, so it’s not going to be easy,” said Nyamutsita.

The sponsors have indicated that there will be other relatively attractive prizes in the juniors, veterans, masters and grandmasters categories as well.

“There is $18 000 up for grabs in the 10km and 21km categories. The main prizes will be for the winners in the 21km category where both the fastest male and female athlete will take home $1 500 each.

“There are other relatively attractive prizes in the juniors, veterans, masters and grandmasters categories.    

“We are expecting a bumper field of athletes drawn from all corners of the country. Familiar big names are likely to be Chiedza Chokore, Bertha Chikanga, Rudo Mhonderwa, Canisious Nyamutsita and Kelvin Pangiso,” read part of the statement by the sponsors.

Patience Garauzive is the defending champion in the women’s category.

Besides the Vumba Mountain Run, Old Mutual also sponsor the Westgate half-marathon, Nkulumane half-marathon, Harare marathon, Dangamvura Fun Run and the Chitungwiza Fun Run.