Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHAT started as a modest fun run is quickly evolving into a major event on the local athletics calendar.
The Highlanders Athletics Club (HAC) is set to host a bigger edition of its annual race on Sunday, 5 October, with the introduction of a 21km half marathon. This year’s event will also include the usual 10km and 5km races, plus a
Zumba and aerobics session at the Highlanders Sports Club.
HAC chairman Lawrence Phiri says the club wants to keep raising the bar.
“This year, we have decided to include a 21km race as a way of attracting more runners and giving professional athletes a reason to be part of the fun.”
For the first time, winners will receive prizes, though the specific rewards are still under wraps.
“We believe in creating value for our sponsors and partners through coming up with an event that will attract members of the whole family,” said Phiri.
Registration opens on August 1 at a flat fee of $15, and the club is aiming to double last year’s 150-runner turnout. To help new runners prepare, HAC will launch free weekly training sessions led by technical manager Sidney Zimunya, starting August 17. These sessions are open to anyone interested in taking part.
The race will form part of the build-up to Highlanders Football Club’s 2026 Centenary Celebrations.
Meanwhile, Bulawayo is also set to become a training ground for athletics coaches and officials, with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) hosting four high-level World Athletics certified courses at White City Stadium.
The programme begins with a World Athletics Level 1 coaching course from August 5 to 16, followed by a CECS Level 2 coaching course from August 19 to 30. Next is a World Athletics Lecturer Training Course from September 2 to 6, wrapping up with a Regional Development Centre (RDC) Level 1 coaching course from September 9 to 20.
