First Mutual race on
OLD Georgians Sports Club will come alive when they host the 2019 edition of the First Mutual marathon with several top middle and long-distance runners expected to turn out for this tough event tomorrow morning.
The race is now in its third year and is aimed at promoting healthy living.
Harare Athletics Club coach Aaron Whyte, who is part of the co-ordinating team, said they are looking forward to a good turnout and urged athletes to be punctual.
“We are happy to be holding the third edition of the annual First Mutual marathon at Old Georgians on Sunday (tomorrow). The race will consist of several categories ranging from five, 10, 21 and 42,2kms.
“Registration began today (yesterday) and continues today until 2pm at the venue. Prospective participants and should come in person.
“We are looking forward to a better and bigger event this year as we have done all the necessary preparations for the race. Athletes from all over the country are going to fight for the top honours.
“We are expecting about 500 athletes to compete. We also expect to have a new record for the event,” said Whyte.
The race, which is also aimed at encouraging people to pursue healthy lifestyles, has been oversubscribed over the years and the same is expected this year.
“We are encouraging people to come in their numbers as there is also a walkathon race for those who cannot run. The idea is to promote healthy living among communities and the nation at large.
“Every year we are being oversubscribed with more than 500 athletes registering to participate and it is good that that there will also be health awareness. Athletes are also urged to be punctual on the race day,” added Whyte. places and the high standards set by the European champions.
Evidence of that desire was provided by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a superb goal in the midweek League Cup win over Arsenal but then admitted he hadn’t done enough to deserve to retain his place against Villa.
“I wasn’t great on the ball and not near my own personal level of where I want to be. I watch the boys of a weekend and I know what it is about here,” he said.
“You have got to be at a really high physical level to go and put in a performance like that. Fab (Fabinho) did really well at the weekend so I need to keep pushing myself and maybe I will get a chance.”
Elsewhere, Manchester United, enjoying a mini-revival after their poor start, can make it four successive away wins when they visit Bournemouth.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side beat Chelsea in the League Cup on Wednesday thanks to Marcus Rashford’s superb free- kick and the United striker feels confidence is growing in the squad.
“If you get a couple of wins back-to-back early on in the season it can change the direction the season is going,” Rashford said.
“When you’re winning back- to- back games, the team’s confidence levels go up.”
Arsenal boss Unai Emery is under pressure to deliver a win against Wolves after his side blew leads against Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
The Palace match was marred by Granit Xhaka’s astonishing feud with Gunners fans and the fall-out continues, with Emery still deciding whether to strip him of the captaincy.
English Premiership Fixtures (all 5pm unless otherwise stated)
Today: AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United ( 2: 30pm); Sheffield United v Burnley; Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers; Manchester City v Southampton; West Ham United v Newcastle United; Brighton & Hove Albion v Norwich City; Aston Villa v Liverpool; Watford v Chelsea (7:30pm).
Tomorrow: Crystal Palace v Leicester City (4pm); Everton v Tottenham Hotspur (6:30pm) — AFP.