adminThupeyo Muleya, in BEITBRIDGE
PREPARATIONS for the eighth edition of the Beitbridge Mayor’s Anti-litter Half Marathon set for next week have gathered momentum.
Around 100 athletes have registered for the race which is held along the Beitbridge to Bulawayo highway with more expected to register between this week and July 7.
The event is being organised by Beitbridge Municipality to raise awareness on littering and pollution issues in the border town and along the major highways leading to Bulawayo and Harare.
There will be a 21km race starting from Mtetengwe ,15km starting off at Malala Business Centre and a 5km power walk competition set to start at Mabidi suburb.
All the races will end at the town centre.
Beitbridge Municipality spokesperson, Raniel Ndou said yesterday that they were ready to roll and were anticipating a full house.
“We have registered nearly 100 athletes and we expect the figures to increase as we approach July 8. This has been the norm. However, we are encouraging more people to register on time, so that they don’t miss out,” said Ndou.
“We started preparations early to enable us to have a full house and we are confident we will have the numbers on the day”.
He said they were going to have cyclists as curtain raisers to the main race.
Those interested in the marathon, Ndou said, should register at the Beitbridge Municipality’s main offices or at the housing offices in Dulilvhadzimu suburb or Tshithaudze Clinic.
More disabled people are encouraged to take part in this race.
“Entry fees are pegged at R50 or US$3 and we are putting together a lot of prizes for the athletes,” said Ndou.
“You will note that this race is held every year to raise awareness on anti-littering around our town and the major highways.
“We believe that the more we involve the community and many players, we can be able to have a change of mindset in managing our environment”.
In the last decade littering has become a perennial headache for the local authority.
It is reported that the town produces over 1000 tonnes of solid waste monthly with a further 100 tonnes going to land pollution.
The Municipality is reportedly collecting at least 700 tonnes.
Online Reporter