The domination of the 2020 Old Mutual Harare Marathon changed hands once again when veteran Jonathan Chinyoka pipped perennial rivals Prosper Mutwira and Lyno Muchena to clinch the 42 km Men’s race in 2hrs 19min 34sec last Sunday.
Chinyoka walked away with the $12,000 first prize, while Mutwira and Muchena came second and third receiving $8,000 and $5,000 respectively at the race dubbed the Sunshine Race, at Old Georgians in Groombridge.
In the women’s 42km race, Olivia Muchena, who clocked 2hrs 48min 52 sec, came in ahead of rivals, Chiedza Chokore who came second followed by Ethel Pangiso in third place. They took home similar purses to their male counterparts.
Over 1,900 runners participated at this year’s marathon making it one of the most popular marathons on the Zimbabwe racing calendar.
Speaking at the presentation of prizes to the winners of the various categories, CABS Managing Director, Simon Hammond, said that Old Mutual’s premise has always been to get people to adopt healthier lifestyle habits.
“Nothing is more important than getting the urbanite to take up the challenge and leave their busy everyday life in a quest for fitness. Let us be honest it is very difficult to make time after a long day at the office, to get out the door and log in some kilometres. There is always something that comes up and participating today is taking control of your health and future well-being and so well done to all of you.” Hammond said.
“Old Mutual is invested in the Harare Marathon because a healthy community is a thriving community. The marathon’s focus will always be in accordance with our brand promise to unify the community, with a view of creating a sustainable and better future for all,” he said.
Mr. Hammond led by example in achieving the Old Mutual wellness ethos by participating in in the gruelling 42km race where he came a commendable second in the male grandmaster category.
He added that Old Mutual was committed to bringing the wellness ethos to all Zimbabweans and invited everyone to participate in upcoming marathons during this year.
Other categories that participated in the annual marathon were, the men and women’s 21km, 10km and 5km races. Prizes were also awarded to juniors, veterans and masters in addition to the grandmasters.
