The 31-year old is the toast of international athletes who are in the country to compete in the second edition of the 42.2 kilometre marathon. Muzhingi inscribed himself in the history books by winning the popular Comrades Marathon in South Africa for three consecutive years between 2009 and 2011. With the race's inaugural winner ,Simon Njoronge of Kenya missing this year's event, Muzhingi is likely to emerge the winner. Njoronge is the race record holder with a time of 02:15:40.
Organisers expect at least 3,000 athletes at the starting point on Sunday. This year's event is anticipated to be even more interesting, as the times obtained in the marathon can be used to qualify for the Olympic Games which are only two months away. The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) certified the marathon course as one of its official worldwide courses last year, paving way for it to be used as qualifier for major competitions. Athletes will also use the marathon to qualify for the Comrades Marathon coming in June. Elite athletes will be launched at a media conference later today.
