VETERAN long distance runners - Nkosiyazi Sibanda and Gilbert Mutandiro - could be the athletes to beat at the Spar Peter Gradwell marathon at Old Georgians tomorrow. Both Sibanda and Mutandiro are hoping to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics and will be using the first marathon event of the year on the NAAZ calendar as part of their preparations.

While the route for the Peter Gradwell is not certified to International Association of Athletics Federation standards, the athletes could find the undulating route handy in preparations for future qualifying events.

Mutandiro has qualified with a B standard and is not guaranteed a place as the slots are still open for other athletes who achieve better times.

This means Mutandiro has to shrug off any challenges tomorrow to assert his claim before he could venture to South Africa with the hopes of getting an A standard.

The athlete is still bubbling with confidence after he romped to victory at the Inter-City Marathon where he outran Mike Fokorani to the title in December last year.

The seasoned Sibanda of Blanket Mine is also knocking on the doors to London and is using tomorrow's 42km to prepare for a qualifying event in Europe.

Experienced long distance runners - Point Chaza and Charles Soza - could also challenge for honours in the Spar Peter Gradwell event.

The competition also incorporates a half marathon that should attract Cuthbert Nyasango who has also booked a place for London.

Nyasango, one of the top middle distance runners in Zimbabwe, could face a big challenge from up-and-coming Jonathan Chinyoka and Elmore Sibanda.

Sharon Tawengwa, who won the Inter-City senior women's race, could be top contender in the category with Faith and Constance Nyasango likely to dominate the 21km where Alicen Manake is a dark horse.

While the marathon and the half marathon are the main events, the event organisers, Harare Athletic Club, have also included a 5km and 10km run.

Meanwhile, the Harare Athletics Board will not be sending a provincial team to the Inter-Provincial Cross Country Championships at Allan Lowry Golf Club in Redcliff today.

HAB secretary Silas Muringani said his board has been unable to raise enough funds to prepare a team for the competition.

"We are unable to field a team for this year's cross country championship due to limited funds.

"Maybe one or two athletes from Harare will find their way to Redcliff and participate as individuals," said Muringani.

If Harare fails to send a team to the cross country championships, competition will now be limited to Matabeleland South and the hosts Midlands.

Midlands were the overall winners last year after fielding a full compliment in all the sections. The senior men will compete over 12km on the dirty track with the senior women and junior men battle over 8km with junior women running 6km.