Wellington Mpofu Becomes Zim’s First Seven-Star Ma...

Wellington Mpofu Becomes Zim’s First Seven-Star Marathon Finisher

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Zimbabwean marathon runner Wellington Mpofu has etched his name in history by becoming the first athlete from his country to complete all seven of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

This elite series includes the Tokyo, Boston, London, Chicago, Berlin, New York, and Sydney marathons—a feat achieved by only a select group of runners worldwide.

In an exclusive interview with Zim Now, Mpofu reflected on the grueling journey that tested his endurance, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The biggest challenge came after COVID-19 when I had to complete three Majors in one year,” Mpofu revealed. “In 2023 alone, I ran the Tokyo, London, and New York marathons. It was both physically and financially demanding, with extreme exhaustion and jet lag taking a toll.”

Despite these hurdles, Mpofu remained unwavering in his pursuit, driven by passion and resilience. He credited the vibrant marathon crowds for providing much-needed motivation along the way.

“When you run these World Marathon Majors, the support from spectators is incredible,” he said. “There’s always debate about whether New York or London has the best crowd, but I found them both amazing—each with its own unique energy.”

Among the seven races, Tokyo stood out as a personal favorite for Mpofu.

“It’s one of the most well-organized marathons, and what makes it special is the chance to see the elite front runners at least twice during the race,” he noted. “Tokyo was also where I recorded my best time—2 hours, 52 minutes, and 17 seconds.”

His stellar performances have not gone unnoticed. Thanks to his remarkable speed and consistency, Mpofu has earned recognition in the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group Championships.

“Because of my age and pace, I receive invitations to compete in the Abbott Wanda Age Championship,” he shared. “I’ve just been invited to New York at the end of the year, which is an exciting opportunity.”

Mpofu’s achievement cements his status among Zimbabwe’s finest endurance athletes, proving that dedication and perseverance can push boundaries and break records.