By Tavonga Munyanyi
Tinashe Mapfumo, a standout sprinter from Shurugwi is trading speed for endurance as he prepares to tackle the 2025 Comrades Marathon, one of the world’s most iconic long-distance athletic competition.
With a background in short-distance dominance, Mapfumo says he is now focused on conquering the ultimate test of endurance at South Africa’s revered 100km ultra-marathon to be held in July next year.
The 39-year-old speedster is amongst Zimbabwe’s Comrades Marathon qualifiers having recently completed a 90 kilometres marathon from Unki Mine to Zvishavane Town within six hours.
Speaking to TellZim News, Mapfumo said he was working tirelessly in preparation for the competition stating that he was honing his technique and building endurance.
“I’m feeling strong and focused, I’m analyzing my techniques and visualizing my success, I’m raring to go and ready for the competition, and to make Shurugwi proud,” said Mapfumo.
He said after conquering in South Africa, his desire was to support young rural athletes in Shurugwi to make them realise their passion saying there was a lot of talent suffering from lack of exposure.
“My goal is to one day support the locals to realise their talent and reach full potential. We have a lot of talent here but they lack exposure and i would want to help the youngsters from here,” said Mapfumo.
He however appealed to well-wishers to sponsor him to get necessities in preparation for the 100km Marathon saying he was yet to get a passport and transport money among other basics.
“I’m appealing for assistance from anyone who is willing—I need sports kits, shoes for training, money to purchase food, and I need to apply for a passport,” he said.
He thanked Chachacha business person Tinos Chitsinho for assisting him with a new smart phone, saying he had promises from others and was looking forward to get more support.
Shurugwi Athletics Committee Chairperson Akim Mwale expressed confidence in Mapfumo saying he had what it takes to produce good results.
“Tinashe is working incredibly hard, he has the talent, dedication, enthusiasm and physical fitness to compete at the highest level. He is putting us on the map by merely participating in the competition. It is very rare to see a person from rural areas participating at world stages,” Mwale said.
Mapfumo holds Tongogara Rural District Council (TRDC) Chairman’s best athlete medal after winning a competition held on June 22, 2024 when he completed 17 kilometres in 55 minutes.
Another committee member Tinei Samukange concurred with Mwale saying Mapfumo was from a rare breed of athletes that needed nurturing and could raise the national flag higher.
“I’m happy with Mapfumo’s performance; I have never seen a talent like this, He departed from Unki Mine at 05:50 am and arrived in Zvishavane at around 11:45 am, which gives us hope that he will make it in South Africa and raise Shurugwi and national flag high,” said Samukange.
The Comrades Marathon is an ultra-marathon of approximately 88 kilometres which is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is the world’s largest and oldest ultra-marathon race.
In this year’s edition, Masvingo’s Lillian Chivasa participated and successfully completed the prestigious marathon.
South African runners constitute the greater part of the field, but many entrants hail from India, the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, the United States, Brazil, Australia, Botswana, Russia, Eswatini and Japan.
