BLESSING Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo clinched the top honours at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday as Zimbabwe’s long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race, which featured athletes from over 40 countries.
Waison romped to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes and 16 seconds to narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet. Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an emphatic all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race.
The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless, the marathon’s title sponsor, doubled the total prize purse to US$50 000 from previous editions.
Waison walked away with US$3 000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned US$2 000 and US$1 500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim yet another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field that included Kenya’s Isaac Langaat, Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Hove and veteran Moses Tarakinyu.
Kabondo powered to finish the race in 1 hour, 3 minutes and 44 seconds, emphatically announcing his arrival on the elite regional marathon circuit. He pocketed US$1 500 for his sweat.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 14 minutes and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke in a tightly contested finish.
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The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different race categories.
Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event. Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race and Nyasha Mharakurwa took first position in the tricycle category.
Organised by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, and supported by national and local tourism and sports authorities, the 2025 edition drew over 5 000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries.
The marathon route, which winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls — a Unesco World Heritage Site — is widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic and continues to attract elite and amateur athletes alike.
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos and community wellness activities.
