THE second edition of the Joshua Mqabuko half-marathon which had been set for November 1 is in doubt as the Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) secretary Dailes Bingadadi says they are not aware that a date for the race has been set. SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER
The anticipated high-profile race had initially been set for June 29 in the city, but was postponed as it coincided with the Econet Victoria Falls marathon.
Bingadadi yesterday told Southern Eye Sport that the board had not received communication from organisers on the date.
“We are going to have the Hope Fountain race on November 9. I am meeting the sponsors tomorrow (today) to discuss further details on the event,” she said.
“I am not aware that the Joshua Mqabuko half-marathon is on November 1. Athletes need to break and prepare for each race, so we cannot have one race on November 1 followed by another on November 9.
“I am waiting for the response from the organisers of the Joshua Mqabuko half-marathon on the date because when I asked them they said they would get back to me. I even asked Manuel (Mpofu, BAB chairman) if they had communicated with him on the date and he said they had not.”
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Foundation chief executive officer Jabulani Hadebe, last month told this publication that a date had been set and they were due to meet BAB to discuss logistics for the race.
Matabeleland South long-distance runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda won the inaugural challenge last year crossing the line in 1hr 5mins 42secs to walk away with $500 shrugging off challenge from veteran long-distance runner Wirimayi Zhuwawo who came second in the men’s category.
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In the women’s category, Olivia Chitate of ZRP Harare walked away $500 richer after leading the pack through the course to romp home in 1hr 23mins, 35secs.
The marathon aimed at perpetuating the legacy of the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, started from Doctor Joshua Nkomo’s Museum in Matsheumhlophe which is the late Vice-President’s residency, to his house in Pelandaba.
