Zimbabwe’s leading marathon runner Isaac Mpofu is on track to challenge for a podium finish at the Paris Olympic Games.
Fresh from clinching a bronze medal at the African Games in Ghana, Mpofu underlined his growing status as one of the leading marathon runners on the continent after a remarkable sixth-place finish in the Boston Marathon in the United States on Monday.
Mpofu crossed the finish line in two hours eight minutes and 17 seconds to better his finishing time in last year’s edition of the the World Athletics Platinum Label road race.
Last year Mpofu crossed the finish line in a time of of two hours and 14 minutes which saw him finishing ninth.
The seasoned South Africa-bases runner has already booked his place for this year’s Olympic Games to be held in Paris, France, and proved his mettle again by finishing within the Olympics qualifying time in Boston.
The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) praised Mpofu for his consistent performances in the lead up to the Olympics.
ZOC said in a statement on their social media platforms.
“A hearty congratulations to our very own Isaac Mpofu who is already set to represent our nation at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Your impressive time of 2 hours 8 minutes and 17 seconds at the Boston Marathon is further proof of your dedication and skill. With the Games just a few months away, we’re cheering you on to keep pushing forward and make our nation proud on the world stage. Go Isaac, go!”
Meanwhile Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma emerged victorious at the Boston Marathon on Monday (15), winning the World Athletics Platinum Label road race in two hours six minutes and 17 seconds.
His winning time is the fourth fastest in Boston history.
Lemma’s compatriot Mohamed Esa claimed the runner-up spot in 2:06:58.
Kenya’s Evabs Chebet, the defending champion, this time finished third in 2:07:22 – his fourth consecutive podium finish in a marathon major.