Nkulumane Fun Run registration begins
ZRU director of rugby search still on
THE 2017 Old Mutual Nkulumane Fun Run, scheduled for 4 June, is targeting 1 000 runners after registering 730 participants last year.
Registration for the race opens tomorrow at Green Zone Centres in Bulawayo and Harare, Old Mutual Centre (Bulawayo) as well as Nkulumane Shopping Mall.
As has been the norm there is no fee for taking part in the fun run which has 10km and 5km races.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman Manuel Mpofu said after registering 730 athletes last year they are eagerly anticipating 1 000 runners for this year’s race.
“Last year we had the best attendance of 730 runners and this was coming from 520 who took part in 2015 so our expectations are not misplaced,” he said.
Mpofu said they expect increased participation of schools which will boost the race numbers.
Old Mutual, the sponsors of the race, confirmed this year’s total prize package is pegged at $8 500.
Old Mutual Property general manager Gilbert Gumpo said this year’s race coincides with the launch of the massive Nkulumane and Pumula South housing development which is meant to ease the urban housing pressure and bring more footfalls to the mall.
“The race is part of an exciting annual community wellness programme run by the company that also includes other races such as Chitungwiza Fun Run slated for 9 July, Westgate Half Marathon set for 3 September and the Dangamvura Fun Run that was held on 7 May.
“Old Mutual sponsors the race (Nkulumane Fun Run) also to support shop owners and residents who have been loyal to the mall since it was commissioned in 1997,” he said.
Gumpo said apart from the race, there will be entertainment from seasoned DJs, children’s games, water slides and jumping castles.
“Food and drinks will be available for sale, to create a perfect platform for a family day out,” he said.
Resuscitated in 2012, the race is sanctioned by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) through Bab and will be run under the International Associations of Athletics Federations rules and regulations.
Besides the professional runners, the disabled, veterans, masters, mistresses, grand masters, grand mistresses, non-professional athletes and schoolchildren are all catered for in the race.
Last year Olympian, Wirimai Juwawo won the 10km race in 30 minutes 18 seconds to take the $500 first prize in the men’s race followed by Jacob Mugomeri, in 30 minutes 22 seconds and Kelvin Pangiso came third in 30 minutes 34 seconds.
In the women’s category, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services athlete Patience Murova clocked 36 minutes 15 seconds, while ZRP’s Olivia Chitate was second in 36 minutes 41 seconds and independent runner, Chiedza Chokore was third in 37 minutes 06 seconds. ZIMBABWE Rugby Union are still hunting for a director of rugby, almost a year since Brighton Chivandire quit his post.
Raymond Gonte, the ZRU spokesperson said all recruitments depended on the engagement of a chief executive officer, who only came into office at the beginning of the month. With the CEO now in office, Gonte said the most senior member of the ZRU is now scrutinising the curriculum vitaes of those who have shown interest in the post and will then advise the Nyararai Sibanda-led board.
“All appointments within the union hinged on having a CEO. He will now begin going through the CV’s we have and advise the Board,’’ said Gonte.
He pointed out that the ZRU were busy handling the matter and they are not under pressure to appoint a director of rugby. Contrary to what Gonte said, Chivandire left ZRU at the end of September last year and not in November. Nsikelelo Sibanda has been the acting director of rugby since 1 October.
Questions have been raised on why Sibanda, who is working on completing his World Rugby level three coaching qualification, is a level two referee and a World rugby educator has not been given the post on a permanent basis. ZRU are said to have approached a number of individuals outside the country who have however turned down their overtures. One of them was South African Warren Edwards who is based in Cape Town.
“Due process is underway and the Union is seized with the matter. Brighton left the Union in November 2016(sic). That is clearly not a year. We are under no pressure to appoint. The Acting Director is qualified, this is why he was placed and is in that acting capacity.
The post for Director of Rugby was advertised. All applicants are rendered equal until the process ends. He is acting until a substantive person is appointed. It would not be proper to reveal the applicants or to focus on just one applicant whilst the selection process is ongoing.’’ Gonte said.
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