Caroline Mhandu and Peter Tauzeni win Elephant Heroes Marathon

Caroline Mhandu and Peter Tauzeni emerged as the winners of the inaugural Elephant Heroes Marathon held in Buhera. Mhandu won the women's 10km race with a time of 51:03.30, while Tauzeni claimed the 10km open category in 42:07.41.

The event, which attracted over 100 athletes, was organized to mark the fifth anniversary of Elephant Executive Lodges. Held near the Murambinda Growth Point, the marathon aimed to promote health, wellness, and tourism in the Buhera district.

In the women's 10km competition, Miriam Sibanda of Mr Pace Athletics Club took second place, finishing 1 minute and 34 seconds behind Mhandu. Constance Nyasango of the Zimbabwe Republic Police finished third in 53:02.60. Jackie Muzavazi won the ladies' junior 10km category.

The men's 10km open race saw Shadreck Samukanga finish in second place with a time of 45:01.81. In the junior category, Naboth Kamuchila took first place in 45:22.54, followed by Knight Chidzambwa in second with a time of 45:50.42.

National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe junior head coach Braid Bhunu welcomed the addition of the race to the national athletics calendar. He noted that the event aligns with sports tourism efforts similar to those in Mutare, Nyanga, and Honde Valley.

Dumisani Chihoto, the group marketing manager for Prevail Group of Companies, stated that the marathon intends to support the local economy in Murambinda. He noted that highlighting local attractions like the Elephant Executive Lodges can contribute to the GDP of the province and the country.