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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

VETERAN long distance runners Isaac Mpofu and Olivia Chitate won the inaugural edition of the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon held at the weekend.

Over 3 000 athletes from different countries took part in the race.

Mpofu came first in the men’s category in a time of 2 hours 22 minutes 29 seconds, while Chitate took the women’s gong after crossing the finish line in 2 hours 55 minutes 22 seconds.

The marathon had prize money of P50 000.

The race also featured a half-marathon, 10km and 5km fun run.

Mpofu and Chitate are part of the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) training camps lined up for the year.

The first one ended in Bulawayo a week ago.

Other athletes selected for the camps based on their times are Ngonidzashe Ncube, Tryphina Picardo, Ethel Sibanda, Annie Chirisa, Moses Tarakinyu, Tendai Zimuto, Wellington Varevi, Elijah Mabhunu and Caroline Mhandu.

Olivia Chitate

Benson Chauke, Cephas Pasipamire and Collen Makaza are in charge of the training camps.

Meanwhile, Naaz is set to hold an International Level 1 coaches course at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.

The World Athletics approved course is available for those that have completed Naaz Level 1 and 2 courses.

Limited slots are available for the course, whose fee has been pegged at US$300. — @innocentskizoe