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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

THABO Mapfumo and Abigal Musarurwa proved to be a cut above the rest after they were crowned champions of the inaugural Cimas iGo Half Marathon which started and ended at the Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) yesterday.

Mapfumo was first to the finish line in the men’s 21km race after finishing in 1 hour 16 minutes 33 seconds.

In second place, Tony Mpofu had a time of 1 hour 25 minutes 28 seconds.

In third position was Fidelis Bhebhe who crossed the finishing line in 1 hour 27 minutes 19 seconds.

In the women’s category, Musarurwa outpaced Moddy Chiwetu and Beatrice Mpondi who were second and third respectively.

Musarurwa crossed the finishing line after 1 hour 47 seconds some distance ahead of Chiwetu who had a time of 2 hours 04 seconds.

Mpondi took the last podium position in 2 hours 27 minutes.

In the 10km race, Albanas Tshuma won the men’s race in 38 minutes 15 seconds. Lineker Ndlovu was second in 47 minutes and 14 seconds.

Tulange Mudenda was the 10km champion in the women’s category, finishing the race in 48 minutes 10 seconds.

Sikhulile Moyo got second position in 1 hour 15 minutes.

More than 1 200 people participated in this year’s Cimas iGo Half Marathon which was intended to promote awareness of men’s health issues and contribute to cancer research and the education and support of those living with cancer.

More than 900 people took part in the Cimas iGo Half Marathon at the ZB Sports Club in Vainona on Saturday.

The Bulawayo event attracted 300 serious and social athletes.

Organisers say the funds raised from the registration fees will be donated to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe.

“Money raised from the registration fees will be donated to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe. November is recognised as Men’s Health Awareness Month across the world. It follows Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is in October. Two of the major cancers affecting men are prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Cimas is offering its members prostate cancer screening at all its clinics throughout November. It urges all men over 40 years of age to visit their nearest Cimas clinic or healthcare provider for prostate cancer screening.”

Cimas also emphasised on the need to tackle men’s mental health issues.

“In this Men’s Health Awareness Month, there has been a growing focus in some countries during this month on suicide prevention, which has been seen as a major health issue of concern among men.

Cimas iGo is a wellness programme intended to help Cimas members remain healthy or, if they are already suffering from a non-communicable disease, manage their condition well.”
— @innocentskizoe