By Fanuel Chinowaita
NYANGA — Former Mutare Central legislator Innocent Gonese may not have been among the headline winners at the inaugural Mountain Valley Marathon, but the 64-year-old former parliamentarian emerged as one of the event’s notable finishers after conquering a gruelling 21km course in Nyanga.
Gonese completed the race in 2 hours 1 minute, just a minute outside his personal target of two hours, despite what he described as one of the toughest courses he has encountered.
The race, held at Montclair Resort and Conference Centre at the weekend, attracted about 1 200 runners, including competitors from Kenya and South Africa.
Gonese said the route featured a total ascent of 374 metres and a descent of 370 metres, making the race particularly demanding.
“We ran from Montclair Hotel along the Mutare Road for 10.5km then back along the same route. It was downhill first and the return uphill,” Gonese said in an interview with The Wasu Post.
“I normally run 21km well under two hours with a PB of 1.46, but on this route I am very happy with my time of 2.01, just one minute above the two-hour mark.”
Gonese was also the first finisher in the elderly male category, earning a US$250 prize and a meal voucher for two.
He, however, missed the official prize-giving ceremony after leaving to play golf at the Eastern Highlands Swingers tournament at Claremont Golf Course.
“My son collected the prize on my behalf,” he said.
The former legislator’s performance provided one of the more memorable moments of an event that brought together elite runners, recreational athletes and veterans of the sport.
At the sharp end of the competition, international road-running ace Fortunate Chidzivo claimed the women’s 21km title, taking home US$750.
Chidzivo, a former Zimbabwe international and Olympian, is continuing her preparations for the 2027 World Championships, where she is expected to represent Zimbabwe.
Caroline Mhandu finished second to take US$500, while Ethel Pangiso was third and received US$350.
In the men’s 21km race, Owen Slowly dominated the field, crossing the line in 1 hour 9 minutes 38 seconds to pocket US$750.
Isaac Langati was second in 1:10:01, while former Zimbabwe international Munyaradzi Jari finished third in 1:14:31.
The main 21km winners also received hospitality packages, with first place taking a two-night dinner, bed and breakfast package for two at a Rainbow Tourism Group hotel.
The 10km race saw Melody Kaseke win the women’s category in 35:25 to claim US$300, while Kenyan runner Paris Lobakani finished second in 37:51 for US$200.
Olivia Maganzo was third in 39:40 and won US$150.
Martin Matsapa won the men’s 10km race in 33:01 and pocketed US$300, with Peter Tauzeni second in 33:03 and Abraham Matasva third in 34:07.
The 5km race also produced its own winners, with Qolekile Ncube taking the women’s title ahead of Chipo Mabika and Talent Dube.
Jonathan Chinyoka won the men’s race, followed by Malcom Gono and Binos Stage.
Gono received a bicycle and trophy courtesy of Pacific Breeze, while the other podium finishers received meal vouchers and other prizes.
The event was not only about elite competition, with the inclusion of the elderly category providing older runners with an opportunity to compete and be recognised.
Gonese said the difficult terrain had tested his endurance but also made the achievement more satisfying.
His participation also highlighted the growing appeal of road running beyond the traditional elite athletics fraternity, with the inaugural event drawing runners across different ages and nationalities.
Rainbow Tourism Group corporate affairs manager Pride Khumbula said organisers were pleased with the turnout.
“This is the first marathon we have had. We have managed to register 1 200 runners. We have runners from Kenya and runners from South Africa,” Khumbula said.
The Mountain Valley Marathon formed part of a broader tourism and entertainment initiative in Nyanga, with the event combining road running with a music festival.
The race programme featured 21km, 10km, 5km and 3km categories, with the 21km event serving as the main competitive race.
With its challenging terrain, international participation and mix of elite and recreational runners, the inaugural event provided a demanding test for athletes — and for Gonese, finishing just outside the two-hour mark at 64 was enough to make the experience particularly rewarding.