Juwawo, who finished 15th at the 2012 London Olympic Games, has had a long-standing rivalry with Pangiso. Juwawo recently relegated his perennial rival to second place in the Old Mutual Half marathon. Pangiso won the 2011 edition, where Juwawo finished second.
Earlier this year, Juwawo set a new record as he won the Tanganda Team Half marathon in one hour, two minutes and 43 seconds. Pangiso came third in the same event.
The duo will, however, have to contend with Edmore Sibanda, another top marathon runner. Sibanda came third in the Old Mutual event but had earlier beaten Pangiso for second place in the Tanganda Tea Half marathon. One of the organisers of the event, Casper Murinyu, revealed that most of the country’s top marathon runners had entered the competition, but Olympiad Cuthbert Nyasango was yet to confirm participation.
In the absence of South Africa-based marathon queen, Rutendo Nyahora, rival Sharon Tawengwa, another 2012 London Olympic Games participant, is expected to dominate the ladies category.
She faces competition from Cutbert’s sister, Constance, who has benefited a lot from her brother’s training assistance.
Although expecting increased cash incentives, Murinyu would not immediately reveal any figures. Of late, there has been an increase in cash prizes for marathon events, with winners of the Old Mutual Half marathon taking home $3 000, while the Tanganda competition had $2 000 on offer.
Post published in: Athletics