MUTARE - Over 500 athletes from across the country are expected to participate in the Tanganda Tea Company Half Marathon here today.
Manicaland Athletics Board (Mab) Chairperson, Joshua Matume said they are expecting an additional 200 athletes to last year’s 300 because of the addition of tertiary institutions and secondary schools.
“We are expecting a bigger number this year because the organisers have also incorporated tertiary institutions and secondary schools,” Matume told the Daily News on Sunday.
The marathon’s defending champions, Jonathan Chinyoka and Rutendo Nyahora are expected to defend their titles against a tough pool of athletes.
Matume said they have registered a strong pool of male athletes who include last year’s Vumba Half Marathon winner Collin Kanyimo, Point Chaza, Charles Soza and Cuthbert Nyasango among others while Nyahora should have stiff competition from Miriam Matende.
Matume also said in their pursuit to ensure the continued development of athletes at the grassroots level, local primary schools will also participate in a 2km fun race.
“We want them to have fun participating alongside seasoned professionals so that they grow up into the system,” he said.