Story by Mthokozisi Dube
REIGNING champion and Black Rhinos athlete Wellington Varevi successfully defended his title after winning the Four-Minute Mile Challenge for the fourth consecutive time in Bulawayo this Saturday.
Forty-two years on, the longstanding record set by United States-based Gray Mavhera remains unbroken. Varevi came close last year, finishing in 4 minutes and 11 seconds, just shy of the mark.
This year, Varevi crossed the line nine seconds slower than his previous attempt, but still managed to secure his fourth straight title.
Speaking after the race, he expressed confidence in achieving his personal goal of winning the challenge five times in succession.
“The race is losing competition so to break the record we need more competitions,” Varevi said.
He pocketed US$800 for the triumph while runner-up Eliha mabhunu was ecstatic after a long layoff owing to injury.
“I represent ZRP and coming second is an achievement since I have missed this due to injury. I want to thank our CGP for allowing us to participate,” Mabhunu said.
The Bulawayo Athletics Board Chairperson, Watson Madenyika said the four-minute mile challenge is a preparatory platform for upcoming events.
“We want to thank Coca-Cola for sponsoring this race. Our athletes had an opportunity to prepare for the inter-provincial championships coming to Bulawayo,” he said.
The four-minute mile challenge remains a permanent event on the athletics calendar.
Meanwhile, the immigration department held a golf tournament to raise awareness of their strategic role.
“As immigration, we have realised a gap in the training of our officers so we want to establish a school of excellence where will train and re-orient our members. The school of excellency will start in the capital before adopting a decentralisation approach in line with NDS1,” Southern and Central Regional Manager, Blessed Marwa said.
More than forty armature and professional golfers participated in the inaugural tournament now expected to be a permanent feature running on the sidelines of ZITF.
