Highlanders Half Marathon launched

THE Highlanders Half Marathon which is set to be among the headline events at the 100 years old club’s family fun day on 24 October was officially launched in the city on Friday.

It was attended by members of the Highlanders administrative structures and volunteers from the celebrations’ sub committees.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch ceremony Mgcini Nkolomi, the chairman of the Highlanders Half Marathon committee disclosed that the event had attracted a lot of corporate attention.

He said many companies had come on board to be sponsors and he is looking forward to prizemoney of the event going beyond the US$500 for the winner in both men and women’s categories.

“We have had a very good response from the corporate sector. A number of companies that include Cimas, Slice Pizzeria, Emergency Pharmacy, Business Friends of Bosso, Sun Casinos, McInn, Fresh and Green City, AFroat, Selkirk Butchery, Zarah Lounge, Supermed, MAC Motors and Highlanders Football Club. More have promised to come board and we looking forward to more.

“From the look of things we may increase prizemoney beyond the US$500 first prize. The promise is there and we look forward to the day,” said Nkolomi.

He said every measure is being put in place for a great 21.1km.

“We want this to be the biggest half marathon in terms of organisation and prizemoney. We have the athletics board as technical partners to ensure it lives up to it,” said Nkolomi.
In line with the broader vision, Nkolomi said the marathon and Family Fun Day would be anchored on five key thematic areas that reflect Highlanders’ values and its role within the community.

“We have identified five thematic areas that are key and will be visible on the day as they sum up Highlanders’ influence in the community and aspirations going forward, points or matters that affect the communities from whom the club’s members come from,” said Nkolomi.

The themes are membership growth, road safety, environmental cleanliness, the fight against drug and substance abuse, and wellness.

Nkolomi said the event would provide an opportunity to recruit new members, with the marathon and family gathering expected to attract supporters, residents and participants from various sporting disciplines.

“While we celebrate 100 years of existence, we have to start looking at the next chapter, how may be through a bigger membership base the club can explore and see how it can sustain itself towards the next 100 years. A large fan base of bona fide members can contribute financially towards the team’s economic turn-around, there has to be a paradigm shift fronted by members that speaks to financing the club in some way,” said Nkolomi.

Nkolomi, a former Highlanders board member and businessman, said the half marathon would also serve as a platform to promote road safety awareness.

Nkolomi said Highlanders were committed to supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.

“As we celebrate our 100 years, we support environmental friendliness and are part of the green revolution. As Highlanders we are not just about football issues to do with the climate and environment affect us too,” said Nkolomi.

He said Highlanders remained fully committed to combating drug and substance abuse within communities.

“We will engage partners and members who will be in attendance in the fight against drug and substance abuse, as part of our wellness campaign, we want a clean and safe environment for everyone in our communities. The drug and substance scourge has destroyed sportspersons and families,” said Nkolomi.

Watson Madanyika the Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman was in attendance and said he is happy that a lot of events are happening in Bulawayo.

“We have embraced this race and many others that are lined up before the end of the year. As usual we will offer our professional touches to ensure the athletics bit is done to the script,” said Madanyika.

Lawrence Phiri, a Highlanders legend who won silverware as a player and manager, detailed other activities lined up for the day.
Supporters’ Chapters will compete in football with former and active club sports disciplines like basketball, darts, rugby and football for both men and women expected to take part with Chiefs

Village among the venues as they have sought to keep everything close to the Highlanders Clubhouse which will be the nerve centre.

It is at the Highlanders Clubhouse where the 21.1km event, 10 and 5km fun runs will start and end.

For the half marathon, athletes will run along the Joshua Mqabuko International Airport which also goes to Nkayi and turn back at the 10.55km mark and head back to the Highlanders Clubhouse.