OLYMPIAN Isaac Mpofu and Zimbabwe Republic Police athlete Phillipa Dube, were crowned the new NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon king and queen after winning the 42km marathon in the respective men's and women's events in Manicaland yesterday.
Mpofu negotiated the hilly and sharp-curved terrain in a time of 2:20:24 ahead of last year's winner Lyno Muchena (2:23:29) with Jacob Mugomeri finishing third in 2:26:24.
So fast was Mpofu that he even finished his race way ahead of some 10km and 5km participants. He also had the luxury to gaze at the majestic view of the tea estate just before the finishing line having bolted away from his competitors.
Dube on the other hand was in a class of her own pacing through the line on 3:01:14 beating into second place two-time Olympian Rutendo Nyahora who was home in 3:01:50. Anne Chirisa maintained her bronze status as she finished third for the second year running.
NetOne chief executive Raphael Mushanawani made his debut in the 10km race at the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon's second edition. Mushanawani expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support the event has received.
"I'm thrilled with the turnout and the number of individuals and clubs participating. Our goal is to transform this into a regional marathon, attracting Sadc athletes," he said.
"We're committed to ensuring the local community benefits from this event; promoting tourism and economic growth through increased participation and tourism."
CAG Travellers provided transport for the athletes and officials.
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Afra Nanhanga, CAG managing director, foresees a long-term partnership with the marathon.
"We're thrilled to collaborate with this prestigious event, which promotes tourism in the Honde Valley area. This initiative aligns with our business objectives," she stated.
"As a native of Honde Valley, we're committed to providing top-notch transport services. We plan to invest more in the future, aiming to make this the region's premier marathon event."
Marathon host and founder Alois Bunjira was excited to see athletes from the region particularly Kenya coming down to Honde Valley to race.
In the 21km category Fortune Chidziro came first in the Women's eventt while Ethel Pangiso and Miriam Sibanda finished in second and third respectively.
Moses Tarakinyu ruled the roost in the men's 21km race, Isaac Langat came second and Kelvin Pangiso third.
The 10km women's gold medal went to Caroline Mhandu with Maryjoy Mudyiravanji and Angela Moyo completing the top three finish.
Wellington Warevi won the men's 10km race, Wayne Kabondo and Martin Mutsapa took silver and bronze.
Veteran women's gold was won by Precious Makaza, Millen Matende emerged veteran men's champion. Saviour Mundoza and Brighton Chipere came tops in the masters women and men's event while Susan Shiri and Shupi Lazarus took gold in the grandmasters women and men's category.
The junior women category was won by Tafadzwa Mafuruse who crossed ahead of Lorraine Fungura and Rudo Chingwe. Junior men went to Besame Makwiramiti, Bothwell Zaranyika came second and Blessed Sipanela third.
