adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The third edition of the Beitbridge Mayor’s half-marathon, which seeks to bring awareness on littering and pollution issues in the border town, will be held on June 8, an official has said.
The 21km race is held annually between Lutumba Business Centre and the border town, along the Beitbridge-Masvingo Road.
Beitbridge Municipality spokesperson Mr Raniel Ndou said yesterday that they were targeting to register at least 500 athletes for the event.
He said preparations started early this year to enable more athletes to register.
“So far we have registered a total of 68 people and we are hopeful that we will meet our target of 500,” said Mr Ndou.
“We are building on past experience to build the momentum towards this year’s race.
“You will note that we started preparations early this year to allow more people to register
“The race will be held a day after the National Clean-Up Day, as you are aware that the main objective of the marathon is to raise awareness on litter and the need to preserve a clean environment.
“Our sponsor remains Sanctuary Insurance Company. We haven’t finalised the theme yet.
‘‘Our preparations are progressing well. We have activated the organising committee. Registration is in progress.”
He said the 21km race will start at Lutumba Business Centre along the Beitbridge-Masvingo Road and end at Border Service Station in the CBD.
He said there will also be 12km and 5km races starting at Chicago Business Centre and Masvingo turn-off respectively, all ending in the CBD.
Mr Ndou said those interested in the marathon should register at Beitbridge Municipality main building or at the housing offices in Dulivhadzimo suburbs.
“We are looking forward to opening more registration points.
“In addition, we encourage people living with disabilities to take part in this event.
‘‘They should register in their numbers. Last year we only had five participants,” he said.
Entry fees, he said, were pegged at R20 for adults and free for all learners.
Mr Ndou said in addition to the money, adults were required to produce national identification documents, while schoolchildren need to bring birth certificates.
“We have the following categories; 16-20 years juniors, 20-39 years Senior/ Open group, 40-49 years Veterans and the 50 years plus+ Masters,” he said.
Littering and drugs abuse (mainly by the youths) have become a perennial headache for the local authority.
It is understood that the border town produces over of 700 tonnes of solid waste monthly with a further 100 tonnes going to land pollution.
The Herald is reliably informed that the most common abused drugs include; crystal math, droshky, chimusoja, cocaine, glue, Bron-cleer and embalming powder.
Online Reporter