Battle hardened long distance runner Millen Matende is confident of retaining his Old Mutual Vumba Half Marathon title when the 2016 edition of the competition gets underway on Saturday morning.

Manicaland Athletics Board (MAB) secretary Taurai Gatsi said they are expecting to host an exciting edition of this annual event.

Matende is upbeat he will triumph and retain the title he won in 2015 despite facing stiff competition in the 2016 edition.

"I know I have to defend my title but it’s never easy to defend a title. Competition will be stiff but I am looking forward to defend it. There are a number of fine long distance runners, top names in the country, that I know will be coming for this event and that makes the whole situation more complicated but I will give it my best shot."

In the tightly contested men's main 21km race, Matende snatched pole position after completing the race in one hour 15 minutes ahead of Kevin Pangiso who finished the race just a minute behind.

Pencil slim Rutendo Nyahora won the 21km women's competition when she clocked one hour 26 minutes ahead of second placed Constance Nyasango who romped home in one hour 33 minutes.

"Last year the attendence was close to 600 but this year we are expecting to have more than 600 athletes.

One of the highly regarded long distance running competition on the domestic scene, the Old Mutual Vumba Half marathon comprises of 21km, 10km and a 5km fun run.

Third placed Jonathan Chinyoka completed the race also just a minute after Pangiso.

"We are expecting athletes from schools, clubs, tertiary institutions as well as other independent athletes.

Matende, who arrived in the Eastern border city of Mutare on Friday for registration, will be among more than 600 Long distance runners that are expected to rub shoulders in the undulating terrain of the Eastern Highlands

"We really hope that this event will live up to its billing. We have done our homework and we are confident that it will be a success.