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“Auburn’s Zimbabwean Ace: Makanakaishe Charamba Named SEC Men’s Runner of the Week”
Auburn’s Zimbabwean Ace: Makanakaishe Charamba Named SEC Men’s Runner of the Week
but this season, a new name has been etched into the conversation of Southeastern Conference greatness—Makanakaishe Charamba, the blazing-fast Zimbabwean sprinter who just earned the title of SEC Men’s Runner of the Week.
Charamba’s recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a massive win for Auburn’s sprinting corps and international recruitment efforts. The honor comes following a weekend where the Auburn star delivered a jaw-dropping performance, solidifying his place among the best in the nation and stamping his presence firmly in SEC lore.
Makanakaishe Charamba clinched the SEC Men’s Runner of the Week honor after delivering a record-breaking outing at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational in Gainesville, Florida. The Zimbabwean sensation clocked a stunning 20.11 seconds in the 200 meters, a personal best and a time that now ranks among the top five in the world for the 2025 outdoor season.
His 200m performance also shattered Auburn’s all-time school record, previously set by Canadian Olympian Brendon Rodney in 2014. It wasn’t just a victory—it was a moment of history.
“I knew I had the legs coming into this meet,” Charamba said after his win. “Coach [Lance Harter] told me to trust the process and stay focused in the curve, and that’s exactly what I did. The result speaks for itself.”
Charamba also helped anchor Auburn’s 4x100m relay team to a second-place finish, clocking 38.82 seconds, which currently stands as the second-fastest time in the SEC this season. It’s safe to say that the Zimbabwean dynamo is hitting peak form just in time for the postseason.
Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, Charamba’s journey to Auburn is one that reads like a script from a sports documentary. Raised in a modest household, he discovered his passion for sprinting on the dusty school tracks of Churchill High School. His natural speed caught the attention of local coaches, and by the time he was 17, he had become one of Zimbabwe’s premier junior athletes.
His breakout moment came at the 2021 African Junior Championships, where he claimed silver in the 200m and bronze in the 100m. That performance caught the eye of several U.S. college recruiters, but it was Auburn’s sprint-heavy coaching staff and robust academic support that sealed the deal.
“Coming to Auburn was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Charamba reflected. “It’s more than just a track team here. It’s a family. And they’ve pushed me to be not just a better runner but a better person.”
Since arriving at The Plains, Charamba has developed exponentially under the guidance of Auburn sprint coach Ken Harnden, himself a former Zimbabwean Olympian. The cultural and athletic bond between coach and athlete has played a pivotal role in Charamba’s rise.
“Mak is an incredibly humble and hardworking young man,” Harnden said. “He’s never satisfied. Even after running 20.11, the first thing he asked was how to shave off more time. That’s the mindset of a champion.”
The SEC is arguably the toughest conference in collegiate track and field, producing Olympic medalists and world champions year after year. For Charamba to be named SEC Runner of the Week is no small feat. He becomes the first Auburn male sprinter since 2019 to receive the honor and the first Zimbabwean athlete in SEC history to earn the award.
His achievement is not just individual—it signals a resurgence in Auburn sprinting. For years, Auburn has been known for its strength in field events and middle distances, but with Charamba leading the charge, the Tigers are quickly becoming a force in the sprints.
“He’s raising the standard for everyone in our program,” said Auburn Head Coach Leroy Burrell. “Guys see Mak hitting these marks, and suddenly, it’s contagious. Everyone wants to rise with him.”
Charamba currently leads the SEC in the 200m and ranks second in the 100m with a season-best of 10.03 seconds, just 0.01 off the national lead. As the SEC Outdoor Championships approach, he’ll be a key piece in Auburn’s bid to contend for a team title.
Charamba’s success represents more than just athletic prowess—it’s a powerful symbol of international inclusion, cultural exchange, and the opportunity that collegiate sports offer globally.
Zimbabwe, a country with a rich history of athletics, particularly in distance running, has long struggled with investment in its sports infrastructure. Charamba’s emergence as a world-class sprinter showcases the untapped talent that exists in less-scouted regions of Africa.
His visibility on a major NCAA platform is already creating waves back home. Zimbabwean national team coach Tendai Chigwida commented, “Mak is inspiring a whole generation of kids in Zimbabwe. They see someone who came from the same neighborhoods now running with the best in the world. It’s powerful.”
It’s also raising Auburn’s profile internationally. The school has seen an uptick in international interest, particularly from African nations, in the wake of Charamba’s recent performances.
The road ahead is filled with massive opportunities for the Auburn junior. The SEC Outdoor Championships are scheduled for early May in Lexington, Kentucky. Following that, the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, will be the ultimate proving ground.
But even beyond the collegiate season, Charamba’s eyes are set on Paris. The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Paris loom large, and Charamba has already met the qualifying standard in the 200m. Zimbabwe’s national team is expected to name him as their top sprinter this summer, where he could become the first Zimbabwean male sprinter in history to qualify for a World Championship final.
“It’s always been a dream to represent my country on the world stage,” he said. “But first, I want to bring some hardware back to Auburn.”
While he is electric on the track, Charamba’s influence is felt beyond his athletic abilities. A kinesiology major with aspirations of one day becoming a sports physiotherapist, Charamba has maintained a 3.7 GPA and is an active member of Auburn’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
He often speaks to young athletes across Alabama and back home in Zimbabwe about perseverance, mental health, and the importance of education. “Track is a part of who I am,” he said. “But it’s not all of who I am. I want to use this platform to show others that they can chase excellence in all parts of their life.”
Charamba has also been a strong advocate for mental health among student-athletes, partnering with Auburn’s wellness center to help lead workshops and support sessions.
“Makanakaishe is the kind of student-athlete every coach dreams of having,” said Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen. “He embodies excellence, character, leadership, and humility.”
As the outdoor season heats up, so does the buzz around Charamba. If his current trajectory continues, he may very well end the season as an NCAA champion—and perhaps, by this time next year, an Olympian.
For now, though, the spotlight rightly shines on his most recent accolade—SEC Men’s Runner of the Week—a title that captures both the greatness of his recent performance and the promise of what lies ahead.
From Harare to The Plains, from overlooked prospect to record-breaking SEC champion, Makanakaishe Charamba is more than just a runner—he’s a movement. And if you haven’t been watching, it’s time to catch up. Because this Tiger is roaring louder than ever.
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