Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE return of the high-profile international Econet Victoria Falls Marathon after a two-year break has been sweetened with the addition of what is promising to be a memorable pre-marathon musical show pitting Ammara Brown, Winky D and Jah Prayzah.
After being affected by the Covid-19 induced lockdowns, the scenic marathon was held as a virtual event last year after Covid-19 restrictions were eased.
This year, the long-distance foot race returns to the resort city on July 3, exactly a fortnight from today.
To add to the fun, organisers have invited the three artistes for a show they have dubbed the “Big 3 music show” that will take place on July 1. Entry to the music show will be free for registered marathon runners.
Jah Prayzah and Winky D are fresh from a very successful show in Harare this past weekend with their addition to the marathon exciting many.
While Jah Prayzah played in Victoria Falls this year at the Mapopoma Festival, Ammara was last in the resort city before the global pandemic.
Organisers expect about 2 000 music lovers for the music show.
Meanwhile, registration for the marathon that attracts runners from over 20 countries is still underway with organisers, Wild Frontiers, offering 160 free slots for athletes based in Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces.
By yesterday, the deadline, all the slots had been taken.
Registration fees for Zimbabwean athletes are US$5 for the 7,5km Lion route, US$10 for the 21km Leopard route and US$15 for the 42km Elephant route.
Athletes from the Sadc bloc will pay US$5 for the Lion route, US$30 for the Leopard route and US$40 for the Elephant route, while those from outside the Sadc region will pay US$10, US$50 and US$60 respectively.
Organisers said Covid-19 protocols will be adhered to during the time of the event including social distancing (when not in active participation), the wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and hand sanitising.
The event is undeniably one of the most thrilling races on the continent as runners have an experience of seeing elephants at water points and encounter game on the race route as they will run through a National Park and World Heritage site.
— @ncubeleon
Online Reporter