Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
RUNNERS will have their eyes firmly on the prize on 21 December as the Liquor Hub 10km Fun Run celebrates its 10th anniversary with a strong cash incentive for top performers.
For the milestone anniversary, runners will compete for attractive rewards. The men’s and women’s champions will each take home R3 500, while the top three junior athletes will earn R1 250, R800 and R600. In the wheelchair division, the top two finishers will receive R1 500 and R1 000, respectively.
This year’s race marks a major shift from tradition, with the event moving from the CBD to the Nkulumane Shopping Complex.
Registration, pegged at US$5 for seniors and US$3 for juniors, is underway at the Liquor Hub shop between 4th and 5th Avenue.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairperson Watson Madenyika said the increased prize money and new venue have generated strong enthusiasm among athletes.
“The 10th anniversary has created a lot of excitement. The prizes are attractive, and we are expecting a highly competitive field.
This event has grown each year, and this edition promises to be the biggest yet,” he said.
The Liquor Hub race has consistently drawn elite distance runners, with past editions featuring stars such as Moses Tarakinyu, Jonathan Chinyoka, Trust Chidomaya, and Olivia Chitate.
Last year’s competition produced intense battles, with Wayne Kabondo clinching the men’s title in 29 minutes 32 seconds, just two seconds ahead of Munyaradzi Zizhou. Martin Mutsapa claimed third in 30:03. In the women’s category, Caroline Mhandu dominated in 36:06, followed by Ethel Pangiso and Tulange Mudenda.
Organised by Liquor Hub, the event maintains a strong charitable focus. Proceeds will be donated to organisations supporting Bulawayo’s elderly, a cause supported by Liquor Hub proprietor and Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi, who has a long history of philanthropy, including assisting children in accessing life-saving heart surgery abroad.
