Augustine Hwata
20 January 2012
THE 21st February Movement 10km road race makes a return to the local athletics calendar this year with the holding of the eighth edition at Machipisa Shopping Centre in Highfield on March 4.
Last year the race was not staged. Founder and director of the 10km road race, Reuben Bezvo, yesterday said they have revived the race and said it will be “bigger and better” this year.
“Last year we met some challenges and could not hold the race.
“I think it was the second time since we established the competition that we had to cancel it.
“But we have been working hard and this time we are going to hold the competition on March 4.
“It’s going to be bigger and better as we have lined up a rich purse of US$600 for the winners in the Open category in both the men and women’s sections.
“We have gone out of our way to ensure that the athletes will find the prizes worthwhile and they could at least change their lives,” said Bezvo.
Bezvo has set aside more than US$15 000 in prizes for all the 23 categories on offer in the race.
“The main category remains the senior Open race while we also have the juniors, the wheelchair, the primary schools and the veterans sections.
“We have also included a category for the war veterans with the winners in this section are set to earn US$250,” said Bezvo.
Bezvo held the first edition of the event in 2002.
The race will start at President Mugabe’s house in Old Highfield and finish at Machipisa Shopping Centre near Friendly Supermarket.
“I am expecting a huge turn out from the local athletes because of the good prizes we are offering and this is why we have already opened up the registration.
“Registration will close on the eve of the race,” Bezvo said.
Kudakwashe Shoko won the inaugural edition in 2002 while Point Chaza is the reigning champion after winning in 2010.
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