Date set for Joshua Mqabuko half-marathon

Sport
THE second edition of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo half-marathon, which had been set for July and moved to this month, will now be held on November 1.

THE second edition of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo half-marathon, which had been set for July and moved to this month, will now be held on November 1.

FORTUNE MBELE SPORTS REPORTER

Chief executive officer of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Foundation — organisers of the competition — Jabulani Hadebe yesterday confirmed the date and said they would be meeting with the Bulawayo Athletics Board on Friday to discuss logistics for the race.

“We have tentatively set the date or the race on November 1 on a Saturday. We are meeting with the Bulawayo Athletics Board on Friday for further discussions. Prizes for the race remain as last year,” Hadebe said.

Last year’s race was won by Matabeleland South middle-distance runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda who crossed the line in one hour five minutes 42secs to walk away with $500.

Sibanda shrugged off challenge from veteran long-distance runner Wirimayi Zhuwawo who came second in the men’s category.

In June, Sibanda retained the Econet Victoria Falls 42km marathon title when he finished the 42,2km race in 2hr 21mins 40secs, but was slower than last year’s 2hr 19mins 11secs to win $800.

Olivia Chitate won the women’s 21km race in the Joshua Mqabuko half-marathon last year romping home in one hour 23mins 35secs and also got a first prize of $500.

In the men’s wheelchair section, Elford Moyo beat the only other competitor Samson Muroyiwa completing the 21km in one hour 1min 3secs and walked away $200 richer while Margaret Bangajena won the women’s category The race starts from the Joshua Nkomo Museum in Matsheumhlope — the late Vice-President’s home — and ends at his other house in Pelandaba.