Mr Pace targets more track, field champs

MR Pace Athletics Club coach Collen Makaza says they are looking at increasing the number of their track and field events as they stage their first meet at the National Sports Stadium B Arena this Sunday.

Events on offer include 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 4x100m, 4x400m, mixed relay and medley relay, long jump, triple jump, high jump, javelin, discus and shot put.

The competition will feature Under-10, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-20, seniors and veterans.

The club has, over the years, held a number of competitions including road races. However, they have also taken an interest in hosting track and field events.

Makaza, who is also the club’s chairperson said they are hopeful of a good turn-out on Sunday.

“This is our first event for this year. We have increased the number of our track and field championships to four. Last year we had two events. We realised that there were few track and field competitions locally, so as a club we decided to have more competitions.

“We want to nurture our athletes and create more competitions for them. We are targeting over 150 athletes to come and compete because we have included schools and clubs and even veterans can come and take part. We are inviting them for this event.

“So we are expecting a good number because we also have jumps and throws lined up for the day, it’s not just track events. The championships are a build-up to major competitions, schools have the Nash competition and Cossasa (Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa), a regional competition,” said Makaza.

Makaza said they would also use the platform to identify talented athletes who need assistance in terms training.

“We also want to look at kids with no clubs so that they can join our club. So selection will be based on performance. We want to give an opportunity to talented athletes to get standard and proper training under the club so that they can turn into professional athletes.”

Some of the clubs that have confirmed their participation are Cadence Athletics Club and Speedpro. Cadence club coach, Alden Muhoni said they are fielding four athletes.

“We have athletes working on Olympic qualification times and some who have big races in the coming month, hence we will use the event to test our athletes on whether they can be competitive speed-wise under heavy load because we have been doing tough long runs and hills in the past months as part of our preparatory phase.

“It’s good to have such competitions where athletes are tested beyond limits. We thank the organisers, Mr Pace, for hosting such events at a crucial time,” said Muhoni.

Speedpro coach Tafara Gondo is also optimistic of the competition as they pre-pare for the Nyaradzo Memorial Run due to take place on January 28. They have three athletes that are going to compete in 1500m.

“The thing is at Speedpro Athletics Club we specialise in long distance running. These are short distances, so these guys are new to these events. They are known for 10km races. This one is a stepping ladder to prepare for other events coming,” said Gondo.