Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO’S inaugural Kings Half Marathon will be held at Busters Sports Club on October 31, with the race set to get underway at 6am as preparations gather pace for one of the city’s newest road-running events.
The marathon, sponsored by Flash Beverages’ Bux Energy Drink and Budget Cash & Carry Wholesale, is expected to attract runners from across Zimbabwe, bringing together elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts and recreational runners. Organisers hope the event will grow into a flagship fixture on the country’s athletics calendar. The race was launched earlier this month as part of efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and community participation through sport.
The event is expected to celebrate the city’s rich sporting heritage while providing a new platform for road-running enthusiasts.
Organisers said all logistical preparations were progressing well ahead of race day, with Busters Sports Club selected as the host venue because of its accessibility and capacity to accommodate both participants and spectators.
“We are pleased to confirm that the Kings Half Marathon will be staged at Busters Sports Club and the race will start promptly at 6am. We want participants to enjoy favourable running conditions and have a memorable experience at what we hope will become a major annual sporting event,” said Raeez Lunat, the proprietor of Budget Cash & Carry.
The race is expected to feature seasoned runners, social running clubs, corporate teams and individuals looking to test their endurance over the half-marathon distance.
Lunat said the event was about more than competition, adding that it would provide an opportunity to promote wellness, social interaction and community engagement.
“The Kings Half Marathon is about bringing people together through sport. We are encouraging runners of all abilities to take part and be part of a new chapter in Bulawayo’s sporting history,” he said.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman Watson Madanyika recently confirmed that the event had secured its date on the athletics calendar, with invitations being sent to athletes and clubs.
Lunat said they were confident the event would receive strong support from the running community and corporate sector.
“Our vision is to establish a race that athletes and fitness enthusiasts will look forward to every year. We believe Bulawayo has the potential to host one of the country’s premier road-running events and this year’s edition is just the beginning.”
Beyond the sporting aspect, the event is also expected to provide a boost to local businesses, with visiting athletes and supporters likely to utilise accommodation, transport and retail services within the city. The organisers believe the marathon can contribute to positioning Bulawayo as a destination for sport and wellness tourism.
