It was a thrilling day of athletics at the annual Prince Edward Sprints Challenge on the afternoon of 24 February. Hosts Prince Edward retained their clear claim on the trophy with 183 points, amidst loud, compulsory home support from the whole school, with many impressive victories across the age groups. St. George’s College and Peterhouse Boys tied for second place in the boys category with 162 points each. Lomagundi College came in fourth with 136.

Prince Edward Sprints Challenge Boys Team Results

The battle for the girls’ trophy was a much more intense one. Showing depth across the age groups and races, Chisipite Senior School scooped the cup with 178 points. Their victory over cross-town rivals Arundel School was a dramatic one, as Arundel had won the Prince Edward Sprints Challenge trophy for four consecutive years from 2012–2015. A subdued Arundel, the only school to bring a busload of supporters, settled for second with 165 points, after some disappointing relay and individual race losses. Gateway came in third with 147 points.

Athletes of Note

There were a few outstanding athlete performances to note this track season. Form two student Paige van der Westhuizen of Chisipite Senior School ran a remarkable U15 800 m race in 2:29, the fastest of the season so far for girls of all ages. Also on the girls’ side, Arundel captain Rutendo Chimbaru was a delight to watch in the 200 m and 400 m race, bringing home the gold for the U20 4 × 100 m relay. Chimbaru ran an impressive 56.91 second 400 m race, just a second off of securing a ticket to Poland for the World Junior Championships this July. Chimbaru also won the U20 200 m in 25.45 seconds.

On the boys’ side, Alfred Chawonza of St George’s College, was in fine form, running the U17 800 m in 2.00.59. Last year, Chawonza qualified for the World Youth Championships in Cali, Columbia, but was unable to travel. Prince Edward’s U20 Lovemore Mapfumo and U15 A. ‘Officer’ Makuni also ran impressive races.

Prince Edward Sprints Challenge Girls Team Results

School Sports Network electronically timed the event, with National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) verification. You can download the full results on the SSN website: www.ssn.co.zw