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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.

National

Zimbabwe roads claim 24 lives over Heroes holiday

Published

10 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A total of 24 people lost their lives on Zimbabwe’s roads during the 2025 Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, according to statistics released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The police reported 196 road traffic accidents, 13 of which were fatal, between August 11 and 13. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s figures, which saw 149 accidents and eight fatalities.

Reckless driving, mechanical faults, speeding, and overtaking errors were cited as major causes of the accidents.

Two major accidents occurred during the period, including a fatal crash on the Mutare-Masvingo Road that claimed the lives of six Zion Christian Church congregants. Another accident on the Bindura-Shamva Road resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.

The police have urged motorists to prioritize vehicle maintenance, avoid speeding and reckless overtaking, and adhere to road rules and regulations to prevent further loss of life.

In the community

Dete teen convicted for theft

Published

19 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A Dete teenager has been convicted of breaking into a local shop and stealing goods and cash worth US$131.

Artwell Ncube, 18, of Lupote in Dete, was found guilty of aggravated unlawful entry by the Hwange Magistrates Court.

According to court records, Ncube used an unknown object to open the locked shop door between May 20 and 25, 2025. Once inside, he stole groceries, airtime, and US$50 in cash.

The shop owner unexpectedly returned to the premises on May 25 at midnight and found Ncube inside. The teenager fled, leaving some stolen items behind.

A subsequent police investigation led to Ncube’s arrest. Property worth US$31 was recovered.

Ncube was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, which was fully suspended on condition that he repays ZWG3 516.04 to the complainant within six months and performs 110 hours of community service at Lupote Clinic which he started on Wednesday.

In the community

Nightclub nightmare: Nkayi woman stabs man in brutal attack

Published

31 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 29-year-old Nkayi woman has escaped jail time after being convicted of assault for stabbing a man with a broken beer bottle during a violent altercation at a nightclub.

The incident occurred end of last month, at around 11 pm, when the victim, a 26-year-old man from Cowdray Park, was playing snooker with a friend.

The offender’s aunt caught the attention of the victim’s friend, provoking the offender, who struck the victim on the arm with an empty beer bottle.

The victim attempted to flee, but the offender pursued him, stabbing him once in the back with a broken beer bottle. The victim was left unconscious and rushed to Nkayi District Hospital, where he remains under medical care.

The Nkayi Magistrates’ Court sentenced the offender to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspending three months for five years on condition of good behavior.

The remaining 12 months were wholly suspended on the condition she performs 420 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has urged people to resolve disputes peacefully, emphasizing that violence has no place in communities.