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Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THE Matopo National Park is set to enhance its reputation as a sports tourism hub after partnering organisers of the PPC Matopos 33-Miler to offer discounted rates of accommodation for athletes.
Matopo National Park tourism manager, Emison Magodhi revealed they are offering a 20 percent discount to registered athletes at the newly refurbished Maleme Lodge. Magodhi said they are also offering accommodation as prizes for various categories.
“Zimparks and PPC have enhanced their collaborative partnership in this year’s 33-Miler Ultra Marathon by offering discounted accommodation at Matopo National Park — Maleme Lodge for interested registered participants and their family members before, during and after the marathon. Those that will have an opportunity to stay at Maleme Lodge for the event will experience the comfort of some of the recently refurbished accommodation units to meet international standards.
“Zimparks has also availed accommodation vouchers that will go to winners in certain categories of the marathon. The winners will be offered the options to choose their park of interest to visit and stay. This partnership enhances sport tourism in the parks and Zimbabwe at large. Matopo National Park will also field a running team (Team Rhino) in support of the partnership,” he said.
The flagship race of the PPC Matopos 33-Miler kicks off right in the heart of the Matopo National Park. The Park has become a hub for sport tourism as it also plays host to other events such as the Matobo Heritage Mountain Bike Challenge.
“The Matopos Heritage Challenge was held from 20 to 24 March and encompassed three days of superb mountain bike riding crossing the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site from west to east, south to north, and lowest to highest points. It included exclusive permission to ride in the Matobo Game Park, home to Zimbabwe’s most significant rhino herd, as well as riding through numerous rural areas and private farms, all within the Matobo Hills,” said Magodhi.
The Matopos 33-Miler was first run in 1963, along much the same route as being used today, and is the only ultra-marathon in Zimbabwe. The race starts in the magnificent Matobo National Park, in the heart of the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter