Slider

Top athletes primed for Econet Victoria Falls Marathon

Published

3 years ago

June 19, 2022

BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

With two weeks before the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon (EVFM), seasoned athletes say they are ready for the popular race which will be held in the iconic resort town on July 3.

World-class veteran athlete Moses Tarakinyu, who won the 21 kilometres half marathon the last time the marathon was held 2019 said he was ready to defend his title this year.

“I have been training hard in the past few months, and everything is going well so far,” Tarakinyu said.

“I am confident of winning the half marathon again at the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon in two week’s time.”

Tarakinyu – member of the Black Rhinos Athletics Club – is clearly brimming with confidence, after winning the 21km Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa in April this year, in a time of 01:03:31.

Another veteran of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, Christopher Gondwe, who won the 42km marathon title in 2019, said he was keen to win the event again this year and even break his own record.

“I am training hard and hopeful come July 3, I will be fit and ready. I am hoping to defend my title even improve on my performance this year.

“So whoever tries to beat me will have to work very hard for it,” said the 35 year old athlete from Blanket Mine Athletics Club, who crossed the finish line in a time of 02:25:36 in 2019.

Africa’s premier marathon was last held three years ago, while the last two editions were put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic that saw countries closing their borders to curb the spread of the respiratory disease.

Since its establishment in 2006, the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon has grown bigger and now attracts veteran and burgeoning athletes, running and fitness enthusiasts, tourists and families from across the world.

In 2019, the celebrated marathon hosted over 3 500 runners from 14 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and South Africa, among others.

Strides Athletics Club captain, Taonga Mukonoweshuro, said members of his association were geared for the upcoming marathon.

Stride Athletics Club is mostly made up of professionals, such as medical doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants, who run to stay fit.

“I can safely say we are ready for the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon as we have been practising regularly, in groups and as individuals.

“The marathon has come at an opportune time since we will use it to prepare for the Comrades Marathon in August,” said Mukonoweshuro, who will be celebrating his birthday on the marathon day.

Besides the 2022 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon being an official Comrades Marathon qualifier race, participants also have a chance to win up to US$25 000 in prizes.

In the community

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

Published

2 weeks ago

May 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Latoya Lisa Munkuli, who went missing on May 7, this month.

Latoya, a dark-complexioned female juvenile, was last seen leaving her residence in Hwange around 4 pm.

She was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of green trousers and a white T-shirt, and carried a black satchel. She stands approximately 1.6 meters tall.

Inspector Glory Banda of the Hwange police is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about Latoya’s whereabouts to come forward.

If you have any information about Latoya’s disappearance, please contact Inspector Banda on 0785961747 or 0771256607.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

In the community

Human-wildlife conflict claims 18 lives in Zimbabwe’s first quarter

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported a disturbing trend of human-wildlife conflict in the country’s first quarter of 2025. According to the authority, 18 people have lost their lives, and 32 others have been injured in encounters with wildlife.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo revealed that the authority received 579 cases of human-wildlife conflict, which they managed to respond to promptly. The incidents have also resulted in significant livestock losses, with at least 53 cattle and 85 goats killed by wildlife.

The districts most affected by these incidents include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi, Hurungwe, Nyaminyami, and Mbire. ZimParks has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about wildlife behaviors and effective preventive measures in these areas.

In response to the crisis, ZimParks has translocated 129 animals back into protected areas and eliminated 158 animals deemed problematic.

“We encourage communities to continue reporting incidents to ZimParks Problem Animal Control numbers and local leadership, such as Councillors, Traditional Leaders, and Rural District Council Authorities, to ensure that we preserve lives,” Farawo urged.

The significant increase in livestock losses, with cattle deaths rising from 18 to 53 and goat deaths from 21 to 85 compared to the same period in 2024, highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.

ZimParks’ efforts to mitigate the conflict include community initiatives to educate people on managing wildlife encounters effectively.