Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MORE than 700 long-distance runners are expected on the undulating terrain of Mutare Rural when the inaugural Guta RaJehovah Half Marathon rolls into life tomorrow (Saturday) at the church’s Gombakomba Shrine.
The race starts at 5.45am.
The chairman for the GRJ Half Marathon organising committee, Aaron Mwashita, said: “All is set for the 2026 Guta RaJehovah Half Marathon happening tomorrow (Saturday) at our church shrine in Gombakomba, just outside Mutare. We have more than 700 athletes who have registered, and it promises to be a very big event, given the magnitude of responses that we have received from all stakeholders.
“This is a half marathon meant to observe our church’s 70th Anniversary, and also for fundraising purpose to support pro-poor church activities. We are inviting everyone to come down to Gombakomba and have fun together on Guta RaJehovah Church’s special day,” said Mwashita.
The route starts at the Guta RaJehovah Shrine and goes through Mutore Business Centre, past Matikiri Village, Gombakomba Primary and Secondary schools, Mukamba Business Centre, Mukwecheni Business Centre, down into the Lower Vumba area, past Saburi Business Centre, PaJessy (Picky Business Centre), Mpudzi Bridge (Pamatank), Mereyani Shops, Church of God Buwerimwe Turn-off and down to Matikiti Bridge before finishing at the Guta RaJehovah Shrine.
The route will guide participants along the Lower Vumba Road towards Nyachowa Falls, offering a scenic backdrop of the Lower Vumba mountains, showcasing Manicaland’s potential for sports tourism.
The Manicaland Athletics Board (MAB) achieved a milestone after registering its sixth professionally run marathon – the Guta RaJehovah Half Marathon.
MAB previously had five marathon races on its annual calendar: Tanganda Half Marathon, Old Mutual Vumba Half Marathon, Musabvunda Nyanga Half Marathon, Honde Valley AlBun Marathon and the recently introduced Caritas Half Marathon.
Technically, a marathon is a long-distance foot race with a standardised distance of 42km, while a half marathon covers 21km.
Some races that fall outside these distances and are referred to as marathon races are long-distance running competitions.
With water points, police presence and MAB checkpoints in place, the GRJ Charity Marathon 2026, themed: ‘Run for Hope – Build the Future’, is a charity marathon celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the denomination.
The marathon is expected to attract approximately 5 000 people, including runners, spectators and well-wishers from across Mutare and beyond, as well as GRJ Church members from South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, United Kingdom and United States of America, giving the event a national and international dimension.
In a separate interview, church leader, Ngaaite Nyakunu, said: “Beyond the sporting spectacle, the marathon is a charitable initiative aimed at mobilising support for vulnerable and orphaned children within the GRJ community, including assistance with school fees and other educational requirements. Proceeds will also go towards the church’s initiative to establish Guiding Star Academy, a GRJ-affiliated school intended to expand access to quality education for children in the area.”
The GRJ Church leader expressed support for the marathon, describing it as an initiative that unites the church and community for a greater cause.
The church, together with MAB and the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe, is ensuring that the marathon is professionally coordinated and conducted in accordance with relevant sporting and organizational requirements.
Participants can choose from three race categories – the 5km Fun Run, 10km Run and 21km Half Marathon – at a registration fee of US$15 per participant.
The marathon forms part of a broader programme for the 70th Anniversary of the church, celebrating seven decades of faith, service, growth and achievements.
“The Anniversary celebrations will reflect on the church’s contribution to the Mutare community, and showcase ongoing development projects, while looking ahead to new initiatives, marking an important milestone in the vision of GRJ. We are inviting individuals, companies, organisations, schools, colleges, universities and the general public to take part in the event as runners, sponsors or partners,” said Nyakunu.
