Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
BULAWAYO Athletics Board (Bab) chairman, Watson Madanyika, has made a passionate plea to long-distance runners in the city to come out in their numbers and participate in the upcoming Cross Country Championships, scheduled to take place at Nketa Drive Park in Mpopoma on January 11.
Following a disappointing turnout at last year’s event, Bab has urged long-distance runners to attend this weekend’s Cross Country Championships in large numbers. The event will serve as a qualifier for the inter-Provincial Cross-country championships set to be held at Botanic Gardens in Harare on February 22.
Last year’s event saw a poor turnout, with only four athletes participating in the senior men’s category and no athletes showing up for the women’s event.
However, Madanyika is optimistic that numbers will increase as the season progresses.
“We are calling upon all long-distance runners to come out and participate in the Cross Country Championships. We want to encourage athletes to take part in the event, as it will provide them with valuable experience and exposure. Our goal is to select a strong provincial team for the inter-provincials and, hopefully, identify athletes who can make the cut for the World Cross-Country Championships,” said Madanyika.
“The entry fees are very affordable, pegged at $1 per athlete for cadets and juniors, and $2 for seniors.
We believe that this will encourage more athletes to participate. We are also working to ensure that the event is well-organised and that athletes have a positive experience.”
“I am confident that we will see an improvement in the turnout this year. We have been working hard to promote the event and encourage athletes to participate. I am looking forward to seeing a strong contingent of athletes from Bulawayo at the championships,” said Madanyika.
Two cross-country events have been lined up for January, ahead of the inter-provincials scheduled for February. The first provincial cross-country meet will take place at Nketa Drive Park in Mpopoma on January 11, followed by a second event on January 26.
The events will feature various categories, including senior men and women, junior men and women, and cadets.
The event will start at 7:00 am, and athletes are advised to arrive early to register and collect their numbers. — @innocentskizoe.
