THE sixth edition of the Marume Classic bodybuilding competition is promising fireworks, with a host of foreign athletes expected to grace the event, which takes place at the Zimbabwe College of Music next week.
One of the country’s top annual bodybuilding competitions, the event is scheduled for September 28.
The Zambian duo of Mutinta Muzambalika and Amon Mugala as well as Malawian bodybuilders Bruce John and Chipiliro Maxwell have confirmed their participation and will battle it out with the country’s top bodybuilders for top honours.
John and Maxwell will also be in the company of their local federation president Benny Phiri, secretary-general Aaron Simwaka and Jennifer Pio as the women’s representative.
Event organiser Givemore Marume, a legendary bodybuilder in the country with four Zimbabwe titles, Mr Ironman six times and Mr Pro Fitness, among many other accolades, is happy with the growth of the competition and is expecting fireworks this time around.
“The preparations are going on very well so far. I am quite excited that the tournament will have athletes from outside Zimbabwe who are going to take part,” he said.
“I think their participation is going to open more opportunities for us as Marume Classic. It shows that we are a brand that is now recognised in the region, which was the main objective when we established the competition.
“We are expecting as usual top and stiff competition especially with the coming in of athletes from outside the country as many local athletes are also preparing for the show.”
- Marume Classic promises fireworks
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Some of the local top bodybuilders to watch out for in this competition include Blessing Itai Sithole, Yeukai Midzi and Gideon Teguru.
Last year’s edition saw Noah Dzvokora winning the Senior Men Bodybuilding title ahead of Francis Chideme and Aaron Musarurwa, who came second and third, respectively.
In the Women Bikini Fitness and Women Wellness categories, the title went to Zambian bodybuilder Matha Ngoma, winning the double ahead of Midzi and Mitchel Chivake, who came second and third, respectively.
Amon Mugaza and Shadreck Mwaba, both from Zambia, also won gold and silver, respectively, in the Men’s Physique, while Weignrace Masendeke and serial champion, Sithole, settled for third and uncharacteristic fourth place.
The Junior Men Bodybuilding gong was won by James Tashera, while Musarurwa took silver, with Prince Moyo claiming the last podium slot.
Marume paid tribute to the sponsors who have continued to support the event.
“I am happy that my main sponsor for the event, Saltrama Plastics, has remained with us, giving us support. We are also grateful to Premier Guest Lodge, Arc 360 Branding and Diamond Pharmacies for their continued support,” he said.
“We also have the new sponsors coming on board, who are Govasberg Bus Services and Tile & Carpets, so the family is growing bigger, which makes us excited about the future of the Marume Classic.”
Marume, whose journey began in Gweru in 1990, went on to have an illustrious career until he retired over a decade ago, after spending 20 years in competitive bodybuilding.
