Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARARE Athletic Board vice chairperson Aaron Whyte says they are optimistic of a good turnout for their Cross-Country Season Opener tomorrow at David Livingstone School.
The event is targeting athletes from as young as Under-10s to seniors.
“It’s going to be a season opener, so we are targeting all age groups from kids’ athletics to seniors.
“We are expecting a good turnout because we know most people would love to run before, they go back to school, especially those kids who are going back to school, just to see where they are in terms of fitness and all that.
“And coaches would also love to assess their athletes and see where they are in terms of the preparations that they have been doing.
“We are expecting surprises, because we have got juniors who are graduating to senior level. We have got Under-18s who are going to junior level.
“So, it’s always a mistake to underestimate somebody who is graduating to a higher level because they can shock and surprise people.
“And we are just expecting some entertaining running from our athletes. Some have got unsettled businesses from last season,” said Whyte.
Senior men and women will compete in 8km while the Under-18 boys, Under-20 girls and Under-20 boys will compete in 6km.
Under-18 girls and Under-16 boys will run 4km. Under-16 girls will be up for the 3km race while the Under-14s and Under-10s will compete in 2km and 1km event respectively.
Whyte said being a season opener, the event is open to all athletes including sprinters as athletes and coaches assess their preparedness for the season.
“It’s a transition from pre-competition to the competition phase, but also, we need to take cognisance of that we have got other athletes who are not specifically middle long-distance runners, like some sprinters, who might want to use cross-country just for conditioning.
“So, we also want to accommodate those athletes.
“Then as we get into the season now, for our next cross-country, we will be specifically targeting those who specialise in cross-country and specific distances.
“And now sprinters will be focusing on their own distances. So, for this one, we are trying to accommodate even those who are not specifically cross-country runners.”
HAB are scheduled to hold their cross-country selection event on February 2, ahead of the national competition due to take place on February 22.
Tomorrow’s event will be followed by the HAB Track and Field Championships on January 12 at the University of Zimbabwe as they lay the foundation for upcoming national meets.
Whyte believes they are going to enjoy a better season this year.
“I wouldn’t like to give out any names. But what I would like to say is Harare is rich of talent this season.
“We have got athletes who are promising all the way from our cadets to senior level. And one thing that I know for sure is our athletes have been preparing. They are ready.
“Some of them may actually miss this event because they are in camps preparing for the season.
“So, we are likely to have them in the next edition of our competition. But, without singling out any popular names or big names, I think this year we have got a lot of potential and talent,” said Whyte.
