By Tendai Chisiri
Zimbabwean long-distance runner Tatenda Hove emerged victorious in the 21km race at the Diacore Marathon in Botswana, clocking a time of 1:04:00.
This win adds to Hove’s impressive record, having previously won the BDF Athletics Club Half Marathon in 2025 with a time of 1:05:07 .
Hove’s latest victory showcases his consistency and dedication to the sport. In addition to his Diacore Marathon win, he has also won the Beitbridge Mayor’s Anti-Litter Half Marathon, beating Mthokozisi Mhlanga and Jonathan Chinyoka who came in second and third respectively.
Other Zimbabwean athletes also impressed at the event, including Thandazani Ndhlovu, who achieved a personal best in the 400m at the Botswana Grand Prix, and Leeford Zuze, who finished second in the 400m at the Road to Botswana Golden Grand Prix with a time of 44.91s.
The Zimbabwean men’s 4x400m relay team, comprising Zuze, Ndhlovu, Dennis Hove, and Gerren Muwishi, broke a 29-year national record at the Lefika Athletics Relays, clocking 3:00.69 in March.
This achievement showcases the country’s growing talent in athletics, with the team aiming to be in the final 2026 World Athletics Relays in Botswana to automatically qualify for the World Championships in Beijing next year.
Zimbabwe’s strong performance in Botswana is a testament to the country’s commitment to developing its athletics program, with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) outlining an ambitious calendar for 2026, including participation in major international competitions.
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