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Raymond Jaravaza, Sports Correspondent
MORE than 1 000 athletes from around the country are expected to battle it out in the 2018 edition of the Old Mutual Vumba Mountain Run Half Marathon in the Eastern Highlands today.

The annual competition is sponsored by one of the country’s leading insurance companies — Old Mutual Zimbabwe.

This year’s edition is bankrolled to the tune of $18 000 in winners’ prizes.

Race categories include 10KM and 21KM and in addition to the competitive races, will be a 5KM fun run.

Race co-organisers, the Manicaland Athletics Board (MAB), is optimistic of attracting a record number of athletes for the event.

“As of this morning (yesterday) close to 800 athletes had registered for the race either on online or at the registration centre. The Old Mutual Vumba Mountain Run Half Marathon is one of the most gruelling races in Zimbabwe because of the undulating terrain of the Eastern Highlands and attracts some of the best runners,” said MAB chairman Joshua Matume.

According to an Old Mutual executive, registration proceeds for the race will be channelled to Friends of Vumba.

“Friends of Vumba are an environmental preservation group made up of residents based in Vumba and led by Sue Ingram,” said marketing executive Matilda Nyathi.

The Vumba Half Marathon has attracted big names since inception including Olympian Rutendo Nyahora, Chiedza Chikore, Bertha Chikanga, Rudo Mhonderwa, Canisious Nyamutsita and Kelvin Pangiso.

Old Mutual have engaged “Finish Time”, who will be responsible for real time results processing for all athletes, which can be used for performance tracking by athletes and coaches.

The insurance company also sponsors the Westgate Half Marathon, Nkulumane Half Marathon, Dangamvura Fun Run and the Chitungwiza Fun Run.
— @RaymondJaravaza