Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Bulawayo Half Marathon is officially back on the sporting calendar, with organisers locking in April 26, for the city’s second edition of the prestigious road race. Starting and finishing at the iconic White City Stadium, the event is set to cement its place as a cornerstone of the regional athletics scene.
City Meats spokesperson Zenzo Ndlovu confirmed last week that this year’s race will serve as a poignant tribute to the late athletics stalwart, Themba Mhlophe. Mhlophe, who passed away last year, was the primary architect behind the revival of competitive road running in Bulawayo. He drove the launch of the half marathon in 2025, resurrecting a route that once hosted the city’s most storied races, such as the Edgars and Bulawayo Bottlers Half Marathons — events that famously attracted titans like Maxwell Bangani, Alois Saruja and Brighton Chipere.
“We will continue with the event in honour of Themba Mhlophe. He was so passionate about athletics, our club and this event. In his memory we have said the event must stay on the athletics calendar. He had big plans and dreams. He was so committed that everyone who knew him from athletics knew what this club initiated road race meant to him. He wanted Bulawayo road running and track on the map,” said Ndlovu.
For nearly three decades, Mhlophe was a ubiquitous presence in the sport, whether as a coach, commentator, or starter. His influence extended far beyond the stopwatch; he mentored numerous athletes who achieved national acclaim, including the renowned Prodigal Khumalo.
The Bulawayo Half Marathon marks the city’s second major road race of 2026, following the Matopos 33 Miler. Its late-April scheduling is strategic, offering runners a high-intensity speed test ahead of June’s Comrades Marathon, an ultra-event that continues to see a surge in participation from both elite and social Zimbabwean runners.
On the commercial front, Baldmin will headline the sponsorship, with backing already confirmed by Costa Takawira.
“The sponsorship for the event has been assured by Costa Takawira of Baldmin. We have had other companies expressing interest in partnering,” Ndlovu noted, highlighting the growing corporate interest in the sport.
The demanding route begins at White City Stadium, taking runners up Old Khami Road to Total Garage before swinging onto Nketa Drive. The course pushes through Tshabalala and Vulindlela, joining Siyephambili Road toward Old Magwegwe. From there, athletes navigate the stretch between Old Magwegwe and Lobengula West, turning onto Luveve Gwabalanda Road toward Emagetsini in Emakhandeni, before a final return to Siyephambili Road.
The closing miles will see the field pass through Old Lobengula and Njube, with a final, gruelling mile-and-a-half drag back into White City Stadium. Organisers are expecting a massive turnout at the finish line. While last year’s inaugural event drew approximately 300 athletes, the target for 2026 is a bold 1 000 runners.
“Road running is growing in leaps and bounds and expect treble the number we had last year,” Ndlovu said confidently.
The stakes are high, with winners in the men’s and women’s elite categories set to pocket US$1 000 each. Substantial prize money has also been allocated across the Open, Schools, Grandmasters, and Wheelchair divisions, ensuring a competitive field across all disciplines. Prize Money Breakdown
Open
Category
(Men
and
Women)
1. US$1 000
2. US$800
3…………………………US$700
4. US$600
5. US$500
Schools
(Boys
and
Girls)
1. US$500
2. US$400
3. US$300
4. US$200
5. US$100
Grandmasters/Veterans
(Men
and
Women)
1. US$300
2. US$200
3. US$100
Wheelchairs
(Men
and
Women)
1. US$300
2. US$200
3. US$100
