LONG-Distance runner Blessing Waison is hoping to defend his Econet Victoria Falls Marathon title when he takes part in the 2024 edition of the annual event on Saturday.
Waison improved his time by three minutes from his 2022 performance to win the 2023 race in 2 hours 15 minutes 11 seconds.
Waison beat second-placed Elijah Mabhunu by more than two minutes (2:17:21) while Lyno Muchena was third in 2 hours 17 minutes 30 seconds.
Prosper Mutwira finished fourth in 2 hours 17 minutes 41 seconds while another veteran Mike Fokoroni dropped from fifth last year to eighth, in 2 hours 22 minutes 32 seconds.
Ethel Pangiso was the women’s winner in 2 hours 41 minutes 51 seconds. Waison says his target is to win the race again on Saturday.
“My training has not been at 100 percent because I have been nursing an injury so I can’t promise fireworks but the aim going into Saturday is to defend the title. It’s always a pleasure to participate in this elite competition and I will give it my all to once again be on the podium,” he said.
The 2024 Marathon, running under the theme: “Road to Victory”, offers a variety of distances to cater for any runners.
Econet has advised participants to choose from the famed, full 42km marathon, the half-marathon (21km), a collaborative team relay with two runners doing 10.5km each, or the more popular 7,5km Family Fun run.
Now in its 16th year, the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon has cemented its reputation as a top African running event.
The race’s renowned scenic route takes runners on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife surrounding the iconic Victoria Falls, allowing participants to enjoy its grandeur up-close.