Honde Valley Marathon preps on course
ORGANISERS of the inaugural NetOne-Albun Honde Valley Marathon have expressed optimism of staging a highly successful edition following its launch in Harare on Wednesday, with various partners coming on board to support the initiative.
Giving an update on the preparations for the event which is pencilled for November 18, one of the organisers — former Zimbabwe international and CAPS United striker, Alois ‘Gazza’ Bunjira — said they are on course to achieve the mission of the marathon following backing by multiple corporate partners.
He said they are expecting a huge turnout. The event, the first of its kind in the scenic and mountainous terrain, is earmarked to promote the tourism opportunities Honde Valley and other surrounding areas in Mutasa District offer; harness a culture of exercise and fitness among the participants, host community and the province; raise awareness on environment conservation; cultivating business synergies; advancing rural development through industrialisation and charity through sport.
It is open to men, women, children and people with disabilities and registration
is ongoing.
The NetOne-AlbunHonde Valley Marathon is running under the theme: “Raising Awareness on Climate Change and Global Warming: Taking Action Against Veld Fires, Deforestation and Rehabilitation of the Environment”.
“Preparations for the event are well on course. We have managed to secure partnerships with several corporates. Mobile network provider, NetOne is our principal sponsor and nearly 20 other partners have also come on board. These include First
Mutual Microfinance, Nyaradzo Group, Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe, Manicaland Athletics Board, Eastern Highlands Tea Estate, Hauna Hospital, CAG Buses, Valley Lodge, Mashonaland Holdings, Priority Projects, Betenia Lodge, Centurion Pub and Grill, Hypenation, Kozani Resources, Sweatfield Fitness and Glytime, among others. All these are contributing towards the successful staging of the marathon.
“We will have 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km races. The latter is a fun run, particularly designed for those who cannot take part in the other marathons as well as children and people with disabilities. Registration for participation is now underway and we are expecting both professional and amateur runners to take part in the event. The registration fee is US$20 for all races, and US$5 for children and people with disabilities. Those interested can get in touch with me on +263773417779, Andrew on +263771055716 or Brenda on +263773646449. Our overall objective is to promote Honde Valley tourism, raise awareness on protection of the environment, stimulate rural development and encourage active participation in fitness programmes,” said Bunjira, adding that winners will walk away with various prizes.
He added that the proceeds raised from the NetOne-AlbunHonde Valley Marathon will be channelled towards charity and other development-oriented initiatives in the host community.
“The event is multi-pronged in outlook. Besides the core mission, proceeds raised during the event will go towards charity in support of Gatsi Old People’s Home, refurbishment of Ruda Primary School and erecting a perimeter fence around the community football ground. The face of Honde Valley and the surrounding areas will never be same again after staging this marathon as we expect vast improvements in tourism and business activity as well as conservation of the environment and development in the area,” said the ex-MaKepeKepe marksman.
Bunjira said Albun Fitness Centre, the brainchild of the Honde Valley marathon, have huge plans to make the event bigger and better.
“This inaugural event is just triggering what is set to become an annual spectacle. Our plans are to take it beyond Honde Valley and Manicaland Province by making it an international event. We want to it grow to attract participants from other parts of the world which will give it a major transformative impact in delivering on its objectives,” said Bunjira.