Trust Hove and Phillipa Dube have been crowned champions in the men’s and women’s events of the 2022 CBZ Marathon at Old Georgians Sports Club, Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Trust Hove of Cadence Club crossed the finish line in 2:25:55 ahead of Mike Fokorani of Nedbank, who finished second in 2:28:70, and Lyno Muchena of Mr Pace was third in 2:32:90.
“It was a tough competition because it was my second marathon and I was competing against seasoned athletes such as Mike Fokorani and Lyno Muchena, so it was tough. But I managed to win,” the 30-year-old Hove told The Herald.
“It’s a big achievement because this is my second marathon and it shows that I have a future in marathon. My wish is to qualify for the World [Athletics] Championships.
“I am hoping to run in South Africa, on a different course, just to see how I perform and try to improve my time, maybe I can qualify.
“I believe I can improve in the future because I am just starting, I am still to gain experience, but I managed to win so I am excited,” Hove added.
ZRP’s Phillipa Dube, who is based in Bulawayo, won the women’s race in 3:80:90 ahead of Annie Chirisa, also from ZRP (3:90:42) while Rutendo Mapindu finished in third place with 3:17:27.
For their efforts on the day, Hove and Dube received ZWL$110,000 (USD $300) each.
Munyaradzi Jari won the men’s 21km in 1:50:34 while Caroline Mhandu took the women’s title in 1:18:41.