Online Reporter
Simba Chiminya
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE will host athletes from across the world on March 14 when the 2026 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup returns to Troutbeck.
It is a key international event that strengthens the country’s push to grow its global sporting profile and tourism appeal.
Competitors from 14 countries have already confirmed participation for the 19th edition of the race in Nyanga.
This underlines its standing as one of Africa’s most established triathlon meets and a major fixture on the continental calendar.
The event comes at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking to expand its footprint as a host of international sport, with officials viewing the competition as both a high level contest and a strategic showcase for the country.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya said the race plays an important role in promoting Zimbabwe as a destination capable of staging world class events.
“Events like the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup help promote our country as a destination for international sport,” she said, adding that visiting athletes will experience a high quality competition set against the country’s natural scenery and hospitality.
Jesaya also commended organisers for sustaining the event for nearly two decades, a record that reflects stability and strong planning in a demanding sport.
Event director, Rick Fulton, said the race has endured because of a deliberate focus on accountability and close relationships with sponsors, which have helped secure long term backing.
“What has made this event unique is the amount of work and transparency that has been put in over the last 19 years,” Fulton said.
“We keep sponsors fully informed and that has helped maintain long term support.”
Triathlon Zimbabwe president Ross O’Donoghue said the competition has grown into one of the country’s flagship sporting platforms, blending elite racing with broader community participation.
“The Bonaqua African Triathlon Cup represents Zimbabwe’s national pride,” he said. “It reinforces Zimbabwe as an attractive and safe destination for international sporting events.”
This year’s programme will feature the African Cross Triathlon Championships, the Cimas Corporate Challenge and Tri Kidz races, expanding the event beyond elite competition and drawing corporate teams, young athletes and recreational participants into the weekend programme.
For local triathletes, the race offers a rare chance to compete against international opposition on home soil, while organisers see the event as another opportunity to strengthen Zimbabwe’s reputation for delivering well run international competitions.
With final preparations under way, attention now shifts to Nyanga where the spotlight will fall on both the athletes and a country eager to prove its place on the global endurance sport stage.
Mathew Masinge