Game-On Writer
Former champion Fortunate Chidzivo returns to the streets of Cape Town this weekend, aiming to recapture the glory of her 2022 victory at the Two Oceans Half Marathon.
After a three-year hiatus from the event, the 39-year-old Zimbabwean distance specialist joins a stacked elite field for Sunday’s 21.1km race.
While the 56km ultra marathon headlines Saturday’s schedule, Chidzivo’s return is one of the most anticipated storylines of the Sunday session.
Despite her status as a decorated athlete, Chidzivo revealed that financial hurdles have impacted her logistics for the race.
“I am going back with my head high,” said Chidzivo.
Chidzivo departed for South Africa Tuesday morning, opting for an early arrival to recover from the long-distance road travel before Sunday’s starting gun.
“I am also going to try and rewrite the 2022 history. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find sponsorship, so I have to leave early as I am travelling by road,” she said.
Chidzivo enters the race backed by a string of high-profile domestic victories.
Her 2026 season has already seen her claim the top spot on the podium at several major events.
She has won the CBZ Half Marathon in March after having ready taken top spot over the same distance at the Old Mutual Harare Marathon earlier this year.
The veteran runner described her current fitness level as a career milestone.
“I have had the best block ever in my running career. This was my best block of training ever,” she said.