Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga and Monalisa John-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE annual Africa Day Half-marathon returns again with both elite and amateur athletes expected to battle it out for medals tomorrow.
The second edition organised by African ambassadors to Zimbabwe will have several races like the 21km, 12km and a five-kilometre Fun Run.
Starting off in the capital at the Harare Gardens, the races will finish off at the African Heritage Village.
In an interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub one of the organisers the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Zimbabwe, Rashid Mohammed Abdulwahid said the races are a way to celebrate Africa Day.
“The decision to organise the commemorative marathon was inspired by the African Union Theme for 2026, namely: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.
“As African Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe, we felt it is important to translate this continental vision into a practical and people-centred activity that promotes awareness, unity, health, and collective responsibility.
“Sport, particularly marathon running, is a powerful unifying platform that transcends nationality, age, profession, and background. Through this event, we aim not only to commemorate Africa Day, but also to encourage conversations and actions around sustainable water management, environmental protection, sanitation, and healthy living. The marathon also serves as a platform to strengthen African solidarity and public participation in advancing Agenda 2063,” he said.
The organisers are confident that after last year’s success they expect more participants this time around.
“After last year edition which was encouraging and exceeded many of our expectations, we look forward to an improved field this time around. We witnessed strong participation from government institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector organisations, students, athletes, community groups, and the general public.
“The level of enthusiasm demonstrated that people appreciate initiatives that combine health, unity, and social awareness.
“This year, we expect even greater participation and broader stakeholder engagement.
“We are pleased to see increasing interest from development partners, corporate sponsors, educational institutions, environmental advocates, and sporting communities,” Abdulwahid added.
