Honde Valley marathon on the cards
EASTERN Highlands’ scenic terrain is set to be a hive of activity next month when the inaugural Honde Valley Marathon explodes into life during an event designed to promote domestic tourism, environmental conservation, rural industrialisation, rural child empowerment and business synergies.
Running under the theme: “Raising Awareness on Climate Change and Global Warming: Taking Action Against Veld Fires, Deforestation and Rehabilitation of the Environment”, the marathon will be held at Hauna Business Centre on November 18.
Organisers of the marathon, the first of its kind in the area, said plans are already on course to stage a successful event.
Ex-soccer star, Alois Bunjira — who hails from Honde Valley and is one of the organisers — said the event is a unique package that will offer something for everyone.
“As Albun Fitness Club, we are set to hold the first ever marathon event in our home area of Honde Valley, pencilled for November 18. The theme for the inaugural event is: “Raising Awareness on Climate
Change and Global Warming: Taking Action Against Veld Fires, Deforestation and Rehabilitation of the Environment”.
“Participants will partake in the 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km categories after registering. The registration fee is US$20 for all races, and US$5 for children and people with disabilities. Registration is already in progress and those interested can get in touch with me on +263773417779, Andrew on +263771055716 or Brenda on +263773646449,” said Bunjira in an interview.
He said the Honde Valley Marathon is multipronged and seeks to provide a platform for engagement on key topical issues that are beneficial to the local communities.
“The main objective for the marathon is to promote tourism in Honde Valley and showcase the place as a tourist destination of choice because the marathon route has been designed as such. Closely related to this is also the issue of environmental preservation. To retain the pristine and stunning environs of the host place – which is endowed with an evergreen valley, mountainous terrain as well as beautiful flora and fauna – we also have to raise awareness on the devastating impact of climate change and the need to take effective mitigating interventions by preventing veld fires and deforestation. Rehabilitation of the environment is key.
“Stimulating a culture of exercise also comes as one of the obvious goals of this programme. Workouts and fitness are central to healthy lifestyles and it has to be part of a person’s daily routine. This is particularly targeting the young, old and people with disabilities,” said Bunjira.
The former Warriors and CAPS United forward said collaborating with corporate partners will increase the Honde Valley Marathon’s impact.
“Involvement, assistance and participation by corporate partners in organising and holding the event is welcome and would be greatly appreciated. The issues we wish to put the spotlight on using this marathon as a vehicle require a multi-sectoral approach involving broad stakeholders and we believe sport is powerful enough to bring us together to accomplish the goals,” he said.
Bunjira said a business fair is set to be held immediately after the marathon to allow the corporate partners to share experiences and exchange ideas.