Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE inaugural Elephant Heroes Marathon – a premier 10km marathon race held today in celebration of Buhera’s world class tourism product, Elephant Executive Lodges’ five years of existence – attracted more than 100 athletes, among them big names on the domestic scene.
Highly rated Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services long distance runner, Caroline Mhandu, romped to victory in the tightly contested women’s 10km race after completing the race in 51 minutes, three seconds and 30 split second, while Chitungwiza-based Mr Pace Athletics Club’s Miriam Sibanda settled for second position after crossing the finishing line just a second and 34 split second minute later.
Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Constance Nyasango was in third position after completing the race in 53 minutes, two seconds 60 split second.
Jackie Muzavazi scooped the ladies junior 10km race first position.
10km Open winner, Peter Tauzeni of Chitungwiza Mr Pace Athletics Club finished the competition in 42 minutes, seven seconds and 41 split second, while Shadreck Samukanga settled for second position after completing the race in 45 minutes, one second and 81 split second.
10km junior category saw Naboth Kamuchila finishing the race in 45 minutes, 22 seconds and 54 split second.
Knight Chidzambwa came second after completing the race in 45 minutes, 50 seconds and 42 split second.
Tucked in the flat and serene plains of Buhera near Murambinda Growth Point, Elephant Executive Lodges is a top of the range accommodation facility, a subsidiary of Prevail Group of Companies.
The therapeutic serene ambience of these classy exquisite lodges have changed the face of the largely remote and arid district, an area known more in the past for droughts than anything else.
Held under the theme: “Become part of the bigger Community: – the marathon became both a promotion of health and wellness while exposing the tourism hidden gem of Buhera.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe junior head coach, Braid Bhunu, commended the organiser of the event and expressed hope of much more exciting editions of the same event in future.
“As custodians of athletics as a sport in the country, the NAAZ is happy to have this addition to the athletics calendar. We have some similar races in Mutare, Nyanga and Honde Valley and here we now have another premier long distance running competition here in Buhera. This really blends well with the aspect of sports tourism, and we commend the organisers as well as financiers of the competition for such a progressive initiative. We have no doubt that we will witness much more exciting and more competitive editions of the same event in future,” said Nhubu.
Prevail Group of Companies Group marketing manager, Dumisani Chihoto, said: “The objective of this marathon is to promote local economy within Murambinda. We call upon corporates, Government through the Zimbabwe Tourism Association, the Zimbabwe Council of Tourism to support this initiative because it helps improve economies in small towns. We are seeing the importance of highlighting the existence of hidden gems – the Elephant Executive Lodges. So this is an initiative that will cumulatively add to the GDP of the local area, the province and ultimately the country.”
With all participants donned in race regalia, equipped with race packs and eventually adorned with medals as well as prizes for winners after completion of the competition, the Murambinda 10KM and 5km Family Challenge was just more than a
celebration of five years in the hospitality industry.
