The Sunday Mail
Tariro Charandura
AT 38 Chiedza Chokore still has the legs to push her through a 42km distance in just over two hours. The veteran marathon runner hinted that she will not retire anytime soon after clinching the JM Busha race last week.
Chiedza’s young sister Lizzih came third behind second placed Olivia Chitate. The Chokore sisters smiled all the way to the bank as the siblings pocketed a combined $4 000 at one of the country’s top races. Chiedza crossed the finishing line after 2 hrs 53 min and 46 sec, just in front of Chitate who clocked 2hrs, 54min and 34sec.
Lizzih was just 16 seconds slower than Chitate with a time of 2hrs, 54min and 50 sec. “I can’t describe how I’m feeling right now but I’m very happy,” Chiedza told The Sunday Mail. “Being an athlete is like a tradition in our family so I will keep on running because it’s my passion and I feel very happy whenever I’m on the track. “I hadn’t prepared enough for this race and honestly $3000 is a lot of money and I’m just excited about taking it home today.”
Although she could only settle for bronze, Lizzih – who pocketed $1000 – is not worried because after all most of the prize money went to the Chokores. “The race was not easy and I would have wanted the first position but if my sister got the first prize then it also means that I get the first prize because we are one,” she said.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) president Tendai Tagara paid tribute to race sponsor Joseph Busha for partnering them. “I’m very happy with the support from Busha because he is a Zimbabwean who has come back to support us and that is very good,” said Tagara.
