With a roar that only rivals the mighty Victoria Falls itself, the 2024 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon kicked off early this morning, as an estimated 5 500 athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across the world got off the starting blocks, runnig in the backdrop of the awe-inspiring ‘Smoke that Thunders’ and Seventh Natural Wonder of the World.
Today’s marathon event, the16th edition of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon themed “Road to Victory”, is offering the full Econet 42.2km race, as well as the 21.1km Econet Half Marathon for the seasoned marathon runners.
The event is also offering the Steward Bank 10.5km relay half marathon, featuring two runners in each team, completing a total of 21km. Last but not least, today’s event is featuring the hugely popular EcoSure 7.5 km Family Fun.
Earlier on, last year’s full marathon winners Blessing Waison (male category) and Ethel Pangiso (female category) expressed their determination to defend their titles.
The Harare-based Waison, a Cadence Athletics Club runner, improved his time by three minutes to win last year’s Econet Victoria Falls Marathon in 2 hours 15 minutes and 11 seconds. Waison beat second-placed Elijah Mabhunu by more than two minutes (2:17:21), while Lyno Muchena was third in 2 hours 17 minutes and 30 seconds.
Prosper Mutwira finished fourth in 2 hours 17 minutes and 41 seconds, while veteran runner Mike Fokoroni dropped from fifth to eighth last year, finishing in 2 hours 22 minutes and 32 seconds.
Fresh from winning the Tanganda Half Marathon in Mutare last week, Black Rhinos athlete Moses Tarakinyu hopes to defend his Econet Victoria Falls Marathon 21km title. Last year he finished the race in 1 hour 4 minutes and 19 seconds, winning the race for the third consecutive time.
Another top Zimbabwean long-distance runner, Isaac Mpofu is participating in today’s race as part of his preparations for the Olympics later this year.
“In terms of my preparations, everything is well in place. I have been putting in the work as the countdown to the Olympics continues. As part of my preparations, I will be taking part in the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon," Mpofu said.
“This should allow me and my coaches to see where we are in terms of preparations.”
Econet chief operating officer Kezito Makuni, speaking in Victoria Falls yesterday, said he was excited that Econet is successfully hosting the Marathon again this year.
"We are excited at the level of participation by atheletes from our country, from the region and from around the world at the Econet Vic Falls Marathon,” Makuni said.
“It is clear this event now transcends the competition of the atheletes and the promotion of health and fitness, and has evolved into a celebration of life, family, friendships and the spirit of multicultural community that this resort town embodies as an international tourist destination and hospitality centre.”