The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Monday, October 5, 1992 — Tendai Chimusasa of Turnall Athletics Club proved his road running mettle when he won the inaugural Buchwa Mine mountain race at the mine yesterday.

Taking the unknown course of mountain climbing and normal cross country undulating terrain, Chimusasa completed the 7,5 km race in 33 minutes, 22,39 seconds.

Challenged by club mate Emmanuel Matashu and homeboy Ngonidzashe Phiri, the long and middle distance champion exerted perfect strategy of easiness and skill that enabled him to lift the mine trophy and the $2 000 cash prize.

Matashu and Phiri finished second and third in 33 minutes, 22,40 seconds and 34 minutes, 8 seconds respectively.

Phiri who received a tumultuous applause from the excited crowd at the finishing point led the race up to the foot of Whikwi Mountain. But as the men started to separate themselves from the boys the Turnall duo overtook the locals.

For finishing second and third Matashu and Phiri also got stimulating cash prizes $1 500 and $700 respectively.

Descending the narrow path it was a normal task for Chimusasa, who revealed afterwards that mountaineering was not a new technic to him as he comes from Nyanga.

By this win the current road king proved he can run on any course and still cause havoc. Featuring most of the country top runners the well-organised race attracted 176 runners.

But Chance Madhlanzi, from the local community failed to complete due to lacerations on the left shin leg that received 7 stitches at the local clinic.

Sponsored by the hosts Buchwa, Zimbabwe Earth Moving Company and Chamber of Mines the $10 000 meeting saw the first 14 athletes home receiving cash prizes.