adminJeffrey Murimbechi Sports Correspondent
SLIGHT rain showers did not deter runners lining up to register for the highly-anticipated Zimbabwe Colour Run, a new event in the country, which will start at midday today at the Borrowdale Race Course in Harare.
The high turnout will make this race one of the biggest running events that Zimbabwe will host this year as it will feature runners from as young as three-years-old with no barriers of entry such as professional status or any qualifying times for competitive events.
Organisers of the event recorded an additional 850 registrations by the time it started raining in the afternoon and prospective participants did not turn back once the showers came down.
As of Thursday they had a total of just over 3500 athletes registered for the race and, as expected, the late comers came trickling in at the opening of business yesterday and by close of day, more than 5000 had registered.
Colours running is a new global phenomena that has captured a wide following around the world.
About twenty percent of all revenue to be generated today will go to Emerald Hill School of the Deaf and the SPCA.
People will run five kilometers, all dressed in white T-shirts.
The event has attracted the attention of national Rugby and Basketball star Charity ‘Chockie’ Mukukuti among other professional sportsmen and women.
“It is going to be one of those fun days and I saw people lining up to register since the morning.
“Even though I feel a bit tired after the rugby and the basketball season coming on, I will try to make sure that I finish work early enough to run on the race course,” said Mukukuti.
Director of operations and public relations for the colour run, Echo Meza, said the organising committee were anticipating a huge turnout.
“It is normal for people to register at the last moment like they did today, that is why we will still be open for late comers in the morning and even moments before the race.
“We can cater for well over 8000 runners as we are expecting more than 14000 people in total, therefore, aspects such as security and logistics are under control.
“We hope to make history today and have a good time while at it,” said Meza.
Online Reporter