By Panashe Karidzagundi
A 14-year-old long-distance runner from Beitbridge, Tinevimbo Chisandure, is set to take a bold step onto one of Zimbabwe’s bigger racing stages when he competes in the upcoming Joshua Nkomo Marathon scheduled for April 26, 2026 in Bulawayo.
Chisandure, who comes from a family of six, has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young athletes in his community.
His passion for running, he says, goes beyond competitions only.
“I enjoy running because it keeps me occupied and helps strengthen both my body and mind,” he said.
“A lot of young people who don’t have activities to take part in end up doing mischievous things. Running gives me a better path.”
The young athlete also spoke about the role sport can play in steering youth away from harmful habits.
“If you’re involved in things like drugs for example, turning to running can help you change your focus positively,” said Chisandure.
Chisandure trains under coach Cecilia Chivi, who has been with him since day one.
“I am the coach who identified his talent from the beginning,” said Chivi. “We have been building him step by step.”
Chisandure who is a member of the RIOT (Running Is Our Therapy) club, where his development has been nurtured through consistent training and competition.
The young runner has already made his mark in various races, recently claiming first place in the Under-20 category during a 10km race in Beitbridge at the RIOT marathon, where he clocked an impressive 38 minutes to finish it.
His growing resume includes strong performances in events such as the Harare Send-Off Comrades Marathon 10km, Zimparks 10km in Bulawayo (38 minutes), Beitbridge Mayor’s Marathon 10km (40 minutes), Musina Mayor’s Marathon 10km (38 minutes), and the Two Countries 10km (42 minutes).
Among his standout achievements are his 36-minute finishes at the Great Zimbabwe 10km and the Zimbabwe School of Mines 10km races.
On the track, he has also competed at a high level, placing fifth in the Under-20 finals at the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) event in Harare, and fourth in the 5000m at the Harare Athletics Board Under-20 Championships.
Despite his rising athletic career, Chisandure remains committed to his education.
He is currently a Form 3 student at Oakleigh House Trust School, where he continues to balance schoolwork with an increasingly demanding training schedule.
His father, Joseph Chisandure, has been a strong pillar of support throughout his journey.
“I fully support my son, Since 2023, I have been signing consent forms to allow him to travel for marathons, participate in them, and I sponsor him as well in terms of fuel, accommodation, and food,” he said.
In terms of nutrition, the young athlete maintains a simple but effective diet focused on light foods and fruits such as watermelon, apples, bananas, and carrots to support his performance.
Chisandure is fully dedicated to athletics, with a focus on marathons, long-distance races, and sprints, and does not participate in other sports.
With his eyes now set on Bulawayo, his participation in the Joshua Nkomo Marathon represents not just a personal milestone, but also a source of inspiration for many young people in Beitbridge and beyond.