Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Post Insurance Mr Pace Half Marathon is targeting more than 600 athletes this year, up from 423 at the previous edition.
Organisers also increasing investment in the event to US$25,000.
Global Risk Underwriting Managers (GRUMA) chief executive Muwengwa Marumahoko announced the target at the launch of this year’s race.
He said registrations were already approaching the anticipated figure.
“Last year we had 423 athletes. This year we are targeting over 600 but I am happy to say that, as of yesterday when our team had the briefing, we were almost there,” said Marumahoko. People are coming in and they are registering.” The event’s budget has risen from about US$5,000 in its formative years to US$25,000 this year.
Of that amount, US$9,900 is earmarked for prize money across the different categories.
Marumahoko said greater emphasis was being placed on rewarding athletes, given the relatively short span of their competitive careers.
“My thrust and drive is to make sure we give more to the athletes because athletes have a short lifespan to accumulate this wealth,” he said.
“The total prize money we are giving this year is about US$9,900, which we have spread to help more athletes when they participate.”
The winner of the main half marathon will pocket US$1 000, while prizes have also been provided for other categories, including veterans and wheelchair athletes.
Marumahoko said organisers were also working towards attracting more foreign runners, with Kenyan athletes expected to participate this year.
“We continue striving to make sure this becomes an annual and international event which attracts more international athletes,” he said. The race was inaugurated in 2022 and has since become a fixture on the domestic athletics calendar.
Nicoz Diamond managing director, David Nyabadza, said the partnership behind the event went beyond competition, with health, wellness and athlete development among its objectives.
“Our partnership is built on a shared vision to promote health, wellness, athletics and community development,” said Nyabadza.
He said developing emerging talent required sustained support and opportunities for athletes to realise their potential. “The champions of tomorrow require guidance, opportunity, encouragement and a supportive environment in which their talents can thrive,” he said. Marumahoko said the initiative was particularly keen on identifying and supporting athletes from rural and disadvantaged communities.
Organisers are also courting more corporate partners, with Marumahoko urging businesses to direct greater support towards athletes as the event seeks to provide both a competitive platform and meaningful financial incentives.
