South Africa
Lesotho
Namibia
Botswana
Mozambique
eSwatini
Zimbabwe
Tanzania
"So far, I don't have any complaints. The preparations for the race have been going well. I always find the route tough, especially in the first half,” said Chidzivo, hinting at the infamous 2km climb up Southern Cross Drive where the outcome of the 21km race is often decided. “I’m lucky enough that my coach (Edwin Chimombo) has run the course so it makes it easy for me to prepare for the race."
Chidzivo who celebrated her 39th birthday on March 16, will start as one of the most experienced and successful Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon elite female campaigners. Having competed three times, Chidzivo boasts two gold medals including a remarkable 1:14:48 victory in the 2022 edition, where she demonstrated tremendous bravery to lead the field from start to finish despite feeling ill the day before. That day four years ago remains one of her most cherished memories.
"That win came unexpectedly,” she reveals. “It was one of my biggest wins of my career. I was over the moon. The joy I experienced felt like I flew up to the sky and back to earth again. It was also a special moment to win and see my husband waiting at the finish line to welcome me," shares Chidzivo who recently joined the Nedbank Running Club.
It’s a memory that still carries Chidzivo as she prepares to toe the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon start line for the first time since that memorable victory in 2022. Yet even after a strong start to the year, with three wins from three starts, including the 10km event at the HAC Nyaradzo Memorial Run, the Old Mutual Harare Marathon 21km, and the CBZ Marathon 21km, Chidzivo insists that recent results will count for little if she does not approach the 55th edition of the iconic South African race with a positive mindset.
"A positive mindset is crucial as winning starts with positivity. Plus having won the race before will be a driving force for me. But I’m going to the race without any expectations. I just want to enjoy being back on the start line. The stronger the competition the better the times we will run. I'll see how my body responds on the day. Let's see if I can rewrite history," she concluded.
“We are excited to welcome Fortunate Chidzivo back to the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “She is an exceptional athlete whose achievements have earned her great respect in the global road running community. Having previously claimed victory here, her return adds tremendous excitement to the elite women’s field, and we look forward to seeing her compete on our iconic course once again.”
Sharing in the excitement, Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, adds: “Fortunate Chidzivo’s return to the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD is fantastic news for the event and for road running fans. She is a proven competitor with an impressive record, and athletes of her calibre always elevate the level of competition. We’re excited to see her line up in April and are confident she will once again be a strong contender.”