Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira [email protected]
CIMAS is taking its popular road-running event to another level this year with the introduction of a full marathon, with the inaugural 42,2km race set for Busters Sports Club in Bulawayo on November 22.
The new race will give local long-distance runners an opportunity to test themselves over the gruelling marathon distance, with athletes expected to complete two laps of the established half marathon route at Busters.
Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) believes the introduction of another full marathon will further strengthen the city’s growing road-running culture.
BAB chairman Watson Madanyika praised Cimas for taking the bold step and urged runners to support the inaugural event.
“We are very happy to see Cimas taking this step and introducing a full marathon. It is a positive development for road running in Bulawayo because we need more events that give athletes opportunities to compete over different distances,” said Madanyika.
“We want to encourage our runners to come out in their numbers and support this inaugural marathon. It is not only about the elite athletes; it is also an opportunity for ordinary people who have been training and want to challenge themselves over the full marathon distance.”
The Cimas race has established itself as one of the fixtures on Bulawayo’s running calendar, traditionally offering the 21,1km, 10km and 5km races at Busters.
The addition of the 42,2km event now gives experienced distance runners an opportunity to tackle the full marathon without having to travel outside the city.
Madanyika said the growth in road races was good for the sport and encouraged athletes to embrace the opportunities being created.
“We are seeing more road races coming on board and that is something we should celebrate. Every race gives athletes another platform to prepare, compete and improve,” he said.
“Cimas has been supporting running and wellness for a long time, and to now introduce a full marathon shows commitment to growing the sport. We encourage runners, clubs and everyone who loves running to support the event and make the first edition a success.”
The November 22 race will also provide an important test for runners preparing for longer-distance events, with the two-lap format allowing athletes to compete on a route already familiar to participants in the Cimas half marathon.
Madanyika believes the inaugural event can become another important fixture on the local athletics calendar if runners respond positively.
“We want people to come and be part of history because this is the first Cimas full marathon at Busters. Whether you are an experienced marathon runner or someone looking for a new personal challenge, this is an opportunity to get involved,” he said.
The Cimas full marathon comes as the number of road-running events in Bulawayo and across the country continues to grow, giving athletes more opportunities to remain active and competitive throughout the year.
