All set for Old Mutual Relay Challenge

IT’S that time of the year again where middle and long-distance runners converge at Old Georgians Sports Club for the Old Mutual Relay Challenge.

The race is slated for tomorrow with four categories - the 42.2km marathon, which is the main event, 21km, 10km and 5km events.

And an exciting dimension to the Old Mutual Relay Challenge comes in the form of relay teams racing against seasoned runners over the 42.2km distance.

A team should have a minimum of two people and a maximum of eight, as long as the baton is carried the full 42.2km distance.

Harare Athletics Club chairman, Martin Webster, said the race has over the years continued to gain popularity among participants.

“For a start the event is unique because it’s a marathon and alongside a relay.

“It’s a challenge to see whether relay teams can run faster than marathon runners.

“This is the third year we have run the Old Mutual Relay Challenge in this format.

“Each year it has got more exciting and become recognised.

“I am expecting a field of 500 athletes and I am expecting the first man in 2hours 15minutes.

“Last year it was 2hours 15minutes and some seconds,” said Webster.

Webster said he is expecting a couple of full teams this time around and is hopeful one of the teams might for the first time in three years beat the marathon runners.

“With the men over the years, no relay team has been able to run faster than the marathon runners. But this year it wouldn’t surprise me, there is a team of four guys I know, they are fast,” Webster said.

The race started off as the Old Mutual Rodger Brackley marathon, then Old Mutual RB Relay Challenge marathon before it was named the Old Mutual Relay Challenge.

Besides the main race, there is also the 21km, 10km and 5km races.

Defending champion in the women’s section, Lizzie Chokore, will be out to defend her title but pointed out that it being her first race for this year it’s not going to be easy.

“It’s only that as the year is just starting we take it as part of training because we had a break in December.

“So we have just started training and we are not yet fit as we would want.

“As a defending champion I have to give it my best to repeat the same feat. But the chances are very slim because there are many good athletes here in Zimbabwe. There is Thabita Tsatsa, Monica Kativhu and Samukeliso Moyo.

“But it’s a competition there has to be a winner. However, it’s always tough, it’s not guaranteed that I am going to win, it can go to anyone,” said Chokore.

Portifa Dombojena holds the men’s title.

In a statement released by Old Mutual, they have pegged the prize at $1 500 for the main event winners. Runners-up will get $1 000 and $500 for third position for both men and women.

There will also be prizes for relay teams and the other categories, putting the total purse at $11 500.

Registration started yesterday and closes today with individuals paying $10 and $20 for relay teams.