Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
TRIATHLON Zimbabwe vice president, Pamela Fulton, says they are looking forward to another exciting edition when they host the second Duathlon National Championships this weekend at Donnybrook.
The championships, sponsored by Evolution Insurance Company Zimbabwe, will see participants competing in the 20+ age-group, junior sprint, which is for athletes between the ages of 16 and 19 and youth supersprint (12 to 15 year-olds).
Duathlon consists of running and cycling.
Some of the races lined up for the day include the du-sprint, consisting of a 5.5km run, 19.25km bike and 2.75km run and the du-sprint made up of a 2.75km run, 11km bike and 2.75km run.
The championships will also include non-championship events on the programme for all age groups.
Fulton said they are positive of a huge event based on the response they have received from their members.
“We have had a lot of interest lately about our duathlon national championships. So we are hoping for a good turn-out, similar to last year.
“I have been reliably informed that last year’s medal winners will be back this year defending their titles.
“Our South Africa-based athlete Patrige Chimwendo, who competed for Zimbabwe at the World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Ibiza, Spain, is making every effort to travel to Zimbabwe to compete. So we hope for a very high level, close race,” said Fulton.
Some of the defending champions from last year include Anje Van As, who was crowned champion in the Youth Girls ahead of Racheal O’Donoghue and Nicole Madya.
Jessica Fuller won the Junior Women category.
Rohnan Nicholson is the defending champion in the Youth Boys while George Ascott won the Junior Men, and they are expected to grace this year’s championships.
Triathlon Zimbabwe staged their first duathlon national event last year in July as they sought to explore other areas and diversify to attract more competitors.