Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS Athletics Club (HAC), which continues to grow in stature each year, will make history this morning as it hosts its inaugural 21.1km race.
In previous editions, the event featured 5km fun runs and 10km races, but this year, organisers have raised the bar by introducing a half-marathon. The race will start and finish at the Highlanders Clubhouse, and the event will also feature side attractions such as Zumba and aerobics sessions.
HAC secretary Ngqwele Dube confirmed that all preparations are complete and urged participants to arrive on time.
“Everything is in order. As of midday Saturday, we had registered just over 200 athletes, and more are still signing up. We are certainly looking forward to an exciting day,” said Dube.
”The 21.1km race starts at 6AM, followed by the 10km at 6:30AM and the 5km at 7AM. We are grateful for the support from our partners CBZ, First Mutual, Zimparks, NSSA and Nyaradzo, who have all registered teams. Other partners include Schweppes, Sila Health, SWIFT, John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust, Econet, ZimbosAbantu and Itel. We also appreciate the individuals who have contributed to making this event a success. We urge all athletes to be at the venue on time.”
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairperson Watson Madanyika also expressed confidence in a smooth and successful event.
“We have put all the necessary measures in place to ensure a flawless race. Our officials are ready and eager to assist athletes in having a great experience. We commend the Highlanders Athletics Club for promoting athletics in the city. We envision this becoming a permanent fixture on our sporting calendar,” Madanyika said.
The race route runs along Airport Road. Half-marathon runners will turn back at the 10.5km mark, 10km runners at the 5km mark and 5km participants at the 2.5km turnaround point.
This landmark event is part of Highlanders Football Club’s build-up to its 2026 Centenary Celebrations a milestone the club aims to commemorate grandly.
Highlanders has had several sporting disciplines under its banner with netball, karate, darts, basketball and volleyball the most visible at some stage.
