Top insurance brand NicozDiamond has expressed delight at the growth of the Post Insurance Mr Pace marathon which has received recognition from World Athletics ahead of the fourth edition of the event set for May this year.
NicozDiamond are one of the main sponsors of the annual race along with Global Risk Underwriting Managers (GRUMA), Zimpost and ZINARA.
The event which takes place at the National Sports Stadium B Arena on May 10, now boast of World Athletics certified distances for 21km and 10km which makes it a qualifier for the Olympics, World Championships and Africa Championships.
NicozDiamond chief executive officer David Nyabadza said they are happy with the growth of the event.
“We are happy with the growth of this event which is in its fourth year. We do not have athletes that are coming from other countries to take part and now we have had international recognition for this event where it can be used as a qualifier for the Olympics, the World Championships and the African Championship which is good for our athletes,” Nyabadza said.
“As Nicoz Diamond together with our partners GRUMA we have partnered Mr Pace Athletics Club to sponsor yet another edition Post Insurance Mr Pace marathon. Our motivation is obviously to make sure we give back to the community and environment that we serve. we see that a lot of young men women that are talented are idle and they end up being drawn into things like drugs so we believe that this event is a platform for them to find something to do,” he added.
The event is organised by Mr Pace Atheltics Club which is a brainchild of former top marathon runner Collen Makaza and targeting over 600 athletes this year.
Post Insurance Mr Pace marathon is part of Zimpost’s Post Insurance Promotions which include Post Insurance Ensure Licence and Win promotion and the Post Insurance staff promotion which were launched last week.
The event includes the 21 km , 10 km and 5km races while there is also the 1km diplomatic competition.
Mr Pace Athletics Club runner Wayne Kabondo won the half marathon along with Fortune Chidzivo.
Kabondo is eyeing a third consecutive crown this year.
“Last time I was the defending champion and their year again I am the defending champion so I am not only targeting to win the race but also to improve my times for international events,” he said.
“I would like to thank all the sponsors and the organisers of this tournament. This tournament is important to us as athletes because the prize money is good and we need the money as athletes.
“It is also a bigger tournament now that it is under World Athletics and we have a chance to improve our times, run faster so that we can qualify for the Olympics the World Championships and other races in Europe and other countries,” the 26 – year – old athlete said.
This year the event is sponsored to the tune of US$15 000 with 50% of that money dedicated to prize money for the winning athletes.
Prize money for the winners of the 21 km category has been increased from US$500 to US$700.
