Fokorani eyes Bonaqua Marathon

VETERAN long-distance runner Mike Fokorani has set his eyes on the inaugural Bonaqua marathon this weekend as he gears up for the Comrades in June in South Africa.

Fokorani is one of the top athletes who have indicated they will be part of the field on Sunday at Old Georgians for the inaugural marathon being sponsored by Coca-Cola and their bottling partner Schweppes Zimbabwe.

The event will be managed by Harare Athletics Club and the 42km marathon is the main event. But there is also the 21km, 10km and 5km races on offer.

The Bindura-based long-distance runner, who had an exceptional season in 2016, winning the Two Oceans and finishing fourth at Comrades, is excited about the upcoming race.

“It’s a good race for me, I saw the course is good for Comrades preparations. It’s a hilly and down run course. So I can say this race comes at the right time. When we have these races at home it can only benefit us,” Fokorani said.

The 41-year-old, who won the Old Mutual Harare marathon in February, said local road races are now enjoying the patronage of sponsors and it was good for the sport.

“If you look at our country, this is a great achievement, sponsors are coming on board bit by bit and it’s an advantage for us, it promotes sport. It is because of these races that we are able to compete in the Two Oceans and Comrades because there is no way one can compete in these big races without gauging yourself.

‘’They are the only way we can measure ourselves before going for the Two Oceans or Comrades.

“I am going to give it my best, in fact I am hoping to win because I am prepared,” said Fokorani.

Seasoned runner Collen Makaza, who runs under the Mr Pace Athletics Club, said they will be fielding some athletes, mostly in the 21km race, while he is going to take part in the 42 km.

Some of the athletes from his club expected to compete on Sunday include Canisious Nyamutsita, Bertha Chikanga, Caroline Mhandu, Wilfred Mutiro and Patience Murowe in the women’s 21km.

The marathon has a total of $7 600 prize money with the winners of the 42km race getting $1 000, both for men and women. Second and third positions will receive $500 and $300.

In the 21km race, the first male and female athletes home will pocket $300.