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Two Harare residents clinch US$2000 in Africa University International Peace Marathon

 

 

Two Harare residents clinched the top honours in the 42km, Africa University International Peace Marathon held here at the weekend, with each collecting
US$2 000 in prize money.

Tapiwa Chingadayi, 30, of the Zimbabwe Prison Services came first in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 14 seconds in the men's main category, beating Felix Mushurwa of Eiffel Flats, Kadoma, and Ogeto Kerdirdden Boba of Negashe, Ethiopia, who came second and third respectively.

The women's top prize went to Margaret Mahohoma, 27, who dismissed challenges from second place winner Chiyedza Chokore and Tawapo Bhiri, who came in third.

Chingadayi of the Zimbabwe Prison Services and Mahohoma, a school leaver who clocked 2 hours, 52 minutes and 12 seconds, were awarded US$2 000 each for their efforts.

Second place winners in the men's and women's categories each received Z$120 000 (revalued) and third place finishers were given Z$60 000 each.

The marathon, now in its fifth year, attracted more than 500 participants from Africa, Japan and the United States. Millions of dollars were awarded to winners in various categories - which included the "wheel chair", the "uniformed forces", the "pre-schoolers" and "senior citizens" categories.

Sheila Siwela, Zambia's ambassador to Zimbabwe, donated a floating trophy for the marathon on behalf of the Africa Group of Ambassadors resident in Harare.

"As ambassadors, we support Africa University and its Peace Marathon because we believe the sporting event is a unifying occasion that cuts across boundaries in politics, culture, age and religion," said Siwela.

The ambassador of Mozambique, Vincente M Feloso and John M Gbenah of Ghana were also present.

Tomoko Ueta, 37, a marketing executive in Tokyo, Japan, flew into Zimbabwe for the marathon.  She was not disappointed: she came in tenth position among women in the main 42-km race.

"I didn't really expect to win," she said as she collected her cash prize, Z$6 000. "I found the terrain and the people here so good, it's unbelievable. I intend to come back next year and bring my friends and colleagues at work with me."

Rukudzo Murapa, the University Vice-Chancellor, said he was confident the AU Peace Marathon would evolve into a global household name "along such lines as the New York Marathon, the French Marathon in Paris and the London Marathon in England". He added: "We can do it with your support".

The Africa University International Peace Marathon was conceptualized in the year 2002 as an international event to promote sportsmanship, but above all else , to promote peace and understanding on the African continent and in the world.