The Sunday Mail
Abel Ndooka
OVER 1 000 long-distance runners from around the region are expected to grace this year’s edition of Tanganda half marathon, one of the country’s most prestigious races.
The event is slated for Sunday, June 30.
This is contrary to rumors doing rounds, that the event had been canceled owing to the trail of destruction left by Cyclone Idai earlier this year, which badly damaged the Vumba road. The road has been a traditional route for the 21km race since its inception.
While it is true that the road could no longer host the event, the sponsors, Tanganda Tea Company have managed to secure another route. Tanganda Tea Company operations manager, Farai Garai, said preparations for this year’s race are at an advanced stage.
“The race is still very much on and while we encountered problems, we had to act very fast after the devastating Cyclone Idai destroyed the Vumba road, which we normally use every year for the 21km race.
“Fortunately, we managed to identify an alternative route which we intend to use for this year’s event,” he said.
Pertaining the prize money, Garai said, “As of now we cannot divulge how much will be won by the winners because as we all know, prices are changing almost every day and as such, the figure will only be made public towards the event.
“The most important thing for us is for the athletes to go back home happy and satisfied so that next year they can come back to compete.
“We have taken every precaution to ensure that the prize money will be of a satisfactory nature and all the athletes will be safe and sound for the duration of the event,” he said.
Canisious Nyamutsika of Mr Pace Athletics club and Caroline Mhandu, who won the men’s and women’s races respectively in the last edition, have confirmed their participation and will be out to defend their titles.
