THREE-TIME-WINNER Stephen Muzhingi has been honoured as the best ever Zimbabwean to participate in the Comrades Marathon since Zimbabwe's return to international sport in 1980.
Muzhingi was crowned Zimbabwe's all-time Comrades Marathon Hero at the inaugural Zimbabwe Comrades Marathon Achievement Awards introduced to reward excellency and will be held every year.
Muzhingi took the crown ahead of the likes of other Comrades Marathon heroes, Mike Fokorani, Marco Mambo, and Hatiwane Nyamande, who were also honoured for their outstanding performances although they did not win the event.
Others who were honoured were Givemore Mudzinganyama, Nobukhosi Ncube, Monica Kativhu, Peter Gradwel, Misheck Mashonga and Ian Clark.
The Comrades winner in 2009, 2010, and 2011, Muzhingi received his Award from Bruce Fordyce of South Africa, widely regarded as the greatest ever Comrades Marathon runner in history with nine titles to his credit.
For the record, Muzhinji is also a proud winner of the 56-kilometre Two Oceans marathon in South Africa.
" The awards are meant to recognise
Zimbabwean athletes who have committed themselves over the decades to run the gruesome Comrades marathon bringing a whole array of achievements from being a
- Muzhingi honoured for Comrades heroics
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winner to being just a finisher," says Mugove Madziyire, the Comrades Marathon Zimbabwe Brand Ambassador.
That is the reason why Stewart Chipato got the Comrades 'cheering supporter' award for his 'energetic support and encouragement' in the three Comrades marathons he has taken part in.
Although Chipato can be likened to Warriors cheerleader Chris 'Romario' Musekiwa, the difference is that Chipato takes part in the race himself.
Shepard Maziriri was also honoured for being the oldest Zimbabwean Comrades Marathon runner after taking part in the 2019 competition at the age of 65 years.
The first winner of the Comrades marathon was Bill Rowan way back in 1921 when the race was 87,9: now it is 89 kilometres.
