CBZ Marathon qualifier for Two Oceans

Raymond Jaravaza

WINNING the second edition of the CBZ marathon comes with qualification for two of Africa’s premier races, the Two Oceans and the Comrades Marathons due for April and June respectively. 

Over 1 700 runners have registered for the CBZ Marathon, which takes place at the Old Georgians Sports Club in Harare on Sunday. 

Last year, the inaugural competition sponsored by one of the biggest financial institutions in Zimbabwe attracted 1 400 competitors, who competed in all the races that were on offer from 5km to the main 42,2km.

Within 48 hours of opening registration for the CBZ Marathon, the race was already fully subscribed, forcing the organisers to close registration. 

Top South African athlete and 2019 Comrades marathon winner, Edward Mothibi is the star attraction of this year’s event. 

The winner qualifies to participate in the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons in South Africa during the course of the year, although this is dependent on whether they meet the qualifying time.

The Comrades Marathon is an ultramarathon of about 89 kilometres, which is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon race. This year’s race is on 14 June. 

The Two Oceans Marathon is run in the city of Cape Town and is set for 11 April. 

Munyaradzi Jari, the inaugural winner of the CBZ Marathon, crossed the finishing line in 2 hours 23 minutes 6 seconds last year and he will be hoping to defend his title.

Categories for this year’s event include 5km, 10km, 21,1km and 42,2km races.

Wheelchair racers will also be part of the event in the 21,1km category.

“The CBZ Marathon’s main objective is to encourage, inspire and motivate people of all ages and backgrounds to improve their mental and physical health through running and exercise,” said Matilda Nyathi, the executive, group marketing and corporate affairs at CBZ. 

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