6th marathon for Manicaland

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Manicaland Athletics Board (MAB) has officially expanded its provincial running calendar by sanctioning its sixth professionally organised road race – the Guta RaJehovah Half Marathon – scheduled to take place on October 3, at Gombakomba in Mutare.
The inaugural event is expected to attract more than 4 000 participants and spectators, including international runners and visitors from South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, United Kingdom, and United States of America.
Prior to this addition, MAB’s annual calendar featured five registered distance events – Tanganda Half Marathon, Old Mutual Vumba Half Marathon, Musabvunda Nyanga Half Marathon, Honde Valley Albun Marathon, and the recently introduced Caritas Half Marathon.
Official road racing standards define a full marathon as a standardised 42-kilometre course, while a half marathon covers a precise distance of 21 kilometres.
Unsanctioned long-distance events falling outside these exact parameters are classified strictly as general road running competitions.

The race route originates at the Guta RaJehovah Shrine and proceeds through Mt Dangare Primary School, Jersey Business Centre, Mpudzi council tanks, Mereyani shops, Church of God Buwerimwe Turn-off, Matondo shops, Magayaka, Nyachowa Falls, Saburi Business Centre, Lower Vumba, Gombakomba Turn-off, Mukwecheni Business Centre, Gombakomba Primary and Secondary Schools, and Mukamba Business Centre. Competitors then descend towards Matikiti River Bridge and Mutee Business Centre before finishing back at the Guta RaJehovah Shrine.
By guiding runners along Lower Vumba Road past Nyachowa Falls, the course highlights the scenery of the Lower Vumba mountains, demonstrating Manicaland’s growing potential for regional sports tourism.
Organised under the theme: ‘Run for Hope – Build the Future,’ the competition serves as a centrepiece for the 70th Anniversary celebrations of the Guta RaJehovah denomination, combining elite athletic competition with community welfare initiatives.
MAB chairperson, Joshua Matume, confirmed that the technical setup – including hydration stations, law enforcement traffic management, and official MAB checkpoints – is fully finalised for the October 3 event.
“The Guta RaJehovha (GRJ) Church will host the GRJ Charity Marathon 2026 on October 3, at Guta RaJehovha in Gombakomba, Mutare, as part of celebrations marking the church’s 70th Anniversary. Held under the theme: ‘Run for Hope – Build the Future’, the marathon is expected to attract approximately 4 000 people including runners, spectators, well-wishers from across Mutare and beyond, as well as GRJ church members from South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, United Kingdom and United States of America, giving the event a strong national and international dimension. This is an important achievement for us as MAB because it ensures that our athletes are kept busy, and remember this is also about their remuneration and careers,” said Matume.
In addition to its athletic focus, the event operates as a charitable drive to generate educational funding for vulnerable and orphaned children within the community.
Church leader, Ngaaite Nyakunu said event proceeds will directly support local educational infrastructure and learner assistance programmes.
“Beyond the sporting spectacle, the marathon is a charitable initiative aimed at mobilising support for vulnerable and orphaned children within the GRJ community, including assistance with school fees and other educational requirements. Proceeds will also go towards the church’s initiative to establish Guiding Star Academy, a GRJ-affiliated school intended to expand access to quality education for children in the area,” said Nyakunu, adding his endorsement for the initiative’s ability to unite athletic and community development goals.
To ensure compliance with national standards, the church is coordinating race technicalities in partnership with MAB and National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ).
The competition features three distinct categories – 5km fun run, 10km race, and the primary 21km half marathon.

Registration is set at US$15 per participant across all divisions.
Corporate backing for the inaugural edition includes several commercial partners linked to the church’s broader network.
Organising partner, Tanaka Chitemere outlined the early corporate commitments supporting the logistical and financial framework of the event.
“The event is already receiving encouraging support from businesses owned by members of the GRJ Church, demonstrating the strong commitment to the cause. The marathon forms part of a broader programme, the 70th Anniversary of the church, celebrating seven decades of unwavering faith, service, growth and remarkable achievements,” said Chitemere.
Organising committee chairperson, Aaron Mwashita, emphasised that the event caters to both competitive athletes and recreational participants, opening registration to the broader public and corporate sector.
“Our half marathon is also taking those who will be jogging and walking. GRJ is inviting individuals, companies, organisations, schools, colleges, universities and the general public to take part in the event as runners, sponsors or partners. Corporate entities wishing to support the marathon may do so through cash or in-kind contributions, with sponsorship packages available across various levels. Members of the public interested in registering, sponsoring or obtaining further information can contact MAB or GRJ Church,” said Mwashita.