Muzhingi eyes Comrades again

The Herald

By Augustine Hwata

31 May 2013

MORE than a dozen Zimbabwean athletes will line up for the running of the 89th edition of the Comrades Marathon in South Africa on Sunday but the spotlight will clearly be on Stephen Muzhingi in a field of about 19 000 runners.

The 33-year-old made history when he became the first athlete, after the legendary Bruce Fordyce, to win the Comrades three times in a row when he won in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Last year Muzhingi become the only the second man, after Derek Preiss in 1974, to hold both titles in the Two Oceans (56km) and the Comrades (87km).

However, the celebrated Zimbabwean athlete later failed to defend his Comrades title as South African, Ludwick Mamabolo, took the crown although his win has been tainted by allegations of doping.

Although he has since been cleared, a shadow remains.

Muzhingi finished 39th in the Two Oceans but he told Letsrun.com that he was now eyeing for the best in the race running between Durban and Peitmaritzburg.

“Comrades is another race altogether, and many of the top guys will tell you that we all kind of do the same training, hills for strength, long runs, speed and speed endurance,” said Muzhingi.

“I am now more focused and determined to bring a good result.

“I have always done most of my training in Zimbabwe in rural areas so that I don’t worry about traffic.

“A little secret is that I do a lot of cross country work so that this gives all my muscles a good work out, so I become very strong.”

Just like in any race enters, Muzhingi is hopeful of winning on Sunday.

“I was well prepared at Two Oceans and I really wanted to defend the title. I was in the early group and at around 15km my calf started hurting when I was running at my normal pace.

“So I slowed down a bit to see if it would come right, as it was early in the race, and if it could stop hurting then I would still have enough time to catch the leaders.

“After about 2km I tried to push up again but the calf was still sore. When I was running at an easy pace it was fine.

“My manager (Craig Fry) told me to get off the road and stop running, but I just felt at the time that I had an obligation to my sponsors, FedGroup, Toyota and Adidas that I stay in the race.”

The ace Zimbabwean runner believes South African athletes Fanie Matshipa, Claude Moshiyswa and defending champion Mamabolo could give him a big challenge on Sunday.

Muzhingi also hopes that fellow Zimbabwean athletes Moses Njodzi, Point Chaza, Mike Fokorani, Marko Mambo and Collin Makaza and female athlete Tabitha Tsatsa will be able to win medals.

And as Muzhingi and others prepare to take part in the Comrades Marathon, the Minister of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, reiterated his support for the sporting ambassadors.

“All the very best to Stephen Muzhingi as he prepares to take back his rightful crown of the Comrades being run on Sunday. Go and do Zimbabwe proud!,” wrote Coltart on his profile.