WHEELCHAIR racers Munyaradzi Katiyo and Stellah Jongwe stole the show at the Jacaranda Bloom Half Marathon, held on Saturday at Harare Gardens.
The annual event celebrated inclusion and diversity in sport.
Katiyo, representing Tsvaira Cycling, successfully defended his men’s 10 km wheelchair title in 29 minutes 03 seconds, ahead of veteran Elford Moyo of the Wheelchair and Hand Cycling Racers Association of Zimbabwe (WHRAZ), who clocked 30 minutes 24 seconds, and Morlean Ali of Richwood, who finished third in 30 minutes 36 seconds.
In the women’s wheelchair race, Jongwe, also from WHRAZ, won in 31 minutes 36 seconds. Thandiwe Ndhlovu came second in 42 minutes 56 seconds, while Moleen Majoni completed the podium in 55 minutes 46 seconds.
The strong performances from differently abled athletes were among the highlights of the day, underlining Zimbabwe’s growing commitment to creating equal opportunities in sport.
In the main 21 km half-marathon, Caroline Mhandu claimed the women’s title in 1 hour 16 minutes 35 seconds, followed by Mirriam Sibanda (1 hour 26 minutes 30 seconds) and Ethel Pangiso (1 hour 27 minutes 14 seconds).
The men’s race was won by Wyne Kabondo in 1 hour 5 minutes 36 seconds, with Kenya’s Isaac Langat (1:07:20) and Patrick Koskei (1 :07: 30) close behind.
Mhandu said she was pleased with her performance as she prepares for the upcoming Vumba Half Marathon.
“The race was tough but enjoyable. Local events like these help us build stamina and improve our times. I’m grateful to my coaches and everyone who supported me,” she said.
Kabondo said his training had paid off and was already looking forward to his next challenge.
“I pushed hard from the 13 km mark and managed to stay ahead. The course was fair, and I’m happy with the result,” he said.
In the 10 km junior boys’ race, Jacob Sipanela finished first in 31 minutes 14 seconds, with Ndodana Paradza second in 31 minutes 45 seconds. The 10 km women’s race saw Shamiso Mushayi take top honours in 44 minutes 57 seconds, narrowly beating Patricia Tavaonesa (45 minutes 12 seconds).
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, the guest of honour, praised the marathon’s growth from 300 runners last year to nearly 600 this year.
“The turnout shows how sport continues to unite people,” Mafume said.
“As a city, we are investing in activities that include everyone, from the youth to differently abled athletes, and help steer our communities away from drug abuse.”
