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Mpofu in top 10 finish at World Athletics Championships
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Veteran Zimbabwean marathon runner Isaac Mpofu delivered a strong performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday morning, finishing inside the top 10 in the men's marathon.
Mpofu, the national record holder, clocked a season-best time of 2:10:46, underlining his consistency and experience on the global stage. This was the 38-year-old's fourth appearance at the World Championships, making him the most seasoned member of Zimbabwe's eight-athlete contingent in Tokyo.
His teammate, Tendai Zimuto, endured a tough debut but fought bravely to complete the gruelling race in 61st place with a time of 2:28:10.
The men's marathon produced a thrilling finish, with Tanzania's Alphonce Felix Simbu edging Germany's Amanal Petros in a photo finish, both crossing the line in 2:09:48. Italy's Illiass Aouani took bronze in 2:09:53, followed by Israel's Haimro Alame (2:10:03) and Uganda's Abel Chelangat (2:10:11).
Team Zimbabwe coach Benson Chauke praised the runners for their resilience in difficult conditions.
"It was not easy out there in the incredible Tokyo heat, and it is highly commendable to have Isaac finish in the top 10 and for Zimuto to try his best in his first marathon at the World Championships," Chauke said.
Elsewhere, there was disappointment for Zimbabwe's Ashley Miller, who bowed out in the first round of the Women's 400m hurdles. She placed eighth in Heat 4 with a time of 56.35 seconds, ranking 37th overall. Only the top four in each heat advanced to the semi-finals.
Mpofu, the national record holder, clocked a season-best time of 2:10:46, underlining his consistency and experience on the global stage. This was the 38-year-old's fourth appearance at the World Championships, making him the most seasoned member of Zimbabwe's eight-athlete contingent in Tokyo.
His teammate, Tendai Zimuto, endured a tough debut but fought bravely to complete the gruelling race in 61st place with a time of 2:28:10.
Team Zimbabwe coach Benson Chauke praised the runners for their resilience in difficult conditions.
"It was not easy out there in the incredible Tokyo heat, and it is highly commendable to have Isaac finish in the top 10 and for Zimuto to try his best in his first marathon at the World Championships," Chauke said.
Elsewhere, there was disappointment for Zimbabwe's Ashley Miller, who bowed out in the first round of the Women's 400m hurdles. She placed eighth in Heat 4 with a time of 56.35 seconds, ranking 37th overall. Only the top four in each heat advanced to the semi-finals.
Source - The Herald
