RENOWNED marathon runner Wayne Kabondo has set his sights on winning a third consecutive Post Insurance Mr Pace marathon which will take place in May.
The fourth edition of the event is scheduled for May 10 at the National Sports Stadium B Arena.
ZimPost and their partners Nicoz Diamond, Global Risk Underwriting Managers (GRUMA) and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration are the sponsors of the tournament.
But this year, the stakes will be higher because the event is now recognised by World Athletics and is now a qualifier for the Olympics, World Championships and the African Championship.
As such, there could be stiffer competition from athletes from Zimbabwe and beyond borders looking to improve their times and qualify for international events.
“This is our race since it is organised by Mr Pace and I’m running for Mr Pace, who is also supported by GRUMA who are my sponsors. Last time I was the defending champion and their year again I am the defending champion so I am not only targeting to win the race, but also to improve my times for international events,” he said.
“I would like to thank all the sponsors and the organisers of this tournament. This tournament is important to us as athletes because the prize money is good and we need the money as athletes.
“It is also a bigger tournament now that it is under World Athletics and we have a chance to improve our times, run faster so that we can qualify for the Olympics the World Championships and other races in Europe and other countries,” the 26-year-old added.
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This year, the event is sponsored to the tune of US$15 000, with 50% of that money dedicated to prize money for the winning athletes.
Prize money for the winners of the 21km category has been increased from US$500 to US$700.
Competition will also be in 10 km, 5km and the 1km diplomatic races while there will also be the veteran master, great grand master, junior and wheelchair classes.
One of the sponsors of the event Nicoz Diamond chief executive officer David Nyabadza expressed delight to be associated with the event which has been growing with each passing year.
“As Nicoz Diamond together with our partners Gruma, we have partnered Mr Pace Athletics Club to sponsor yet another edition Post Insurance Mr Pace marathon. Our motivation is obviously to make sure we give back to the community and environment that we serve,” Nyabadza said.
“We see that a lot of young men and women that are talented are idle and they end up being drawn into things like drugs, so we believe that this event is a platform for them to find something to do.
“We are happy with the growth of this event which is in its fourth year. We do not have athletes that are coming from other countries to take part and now we have had international recognition for this event, where it can be used as a qualifier for the Olympics, the World Championships and the African Championship, which is good for our athletes.”
