Muzhingi among the best

Fresh after coming fifth in the recent Old Mutual Two Oceans marathon, Muzhingi has to prove his mental and physical strength in a field of 19 617 entries. This number is only surpassed by a massive 24 500 participates in 2000, with more international runners this year than previous races.

The slightly-built athlete enters the 42 km gruelling road race as no stranger to the course. He currently holds both the 2009 and 2010 titles. In 2008 he clocked 5:39,40 to finish third. His vast experience and past exposure to the route has upgraded his credentials with a guaranteed top 10 finish. The Durban-based athlete has adjusted to the humid weather conditions, a drawback that might intimidate other foreign contestants.

At 35, Muzhingi might be nearing the twilight of his career, but he believes he still has a lot to five. He has collected four gold and two silver medals in the competition that boasts an 86-year history. The fist race took place in 1921 as a concept of helping others through as the comrades-in-arms did in the World War (1914-1918). This inspired Vic Clapham to launch the race with proceeds benefiting charities in the province.

In the womens category, Samukeliso Moyo, a veteran Zimbabwe runne,r is ranked as the outside bet for gold. Moyo starts the May 29 race as a novice but the 34-year old has survived many road battles. She prides herself with the 2010 Durban marathon triumph clocking 2:48,56. Like Muzhingi, she is also a Two Oceans contestant, coming third in 2007.

The cool temperatures currently cascading the Kwazulu-Natal province will certainly propel the athletes. The epic has the highest prize money on offer and is one of the most lucrative ultra-marathons in the world. It is one of Pietermaritzburgs main foreign currency earners and a tourism attraction in addition to the Dusi Canoe Marathon and the BMX World Supercross held annually in the city.