Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu
PLUMTREE Town Council’s inaugural half marathon and fun run drew 99 participants on Sunday, as residents, athletes and stakeholders gathered to promote health, wellness and community spirit through sport.
The event, held at Dingumuzi Stadium, featured a 21-kilometre half marathon and a 5km fun run, with 57 athletes registering for the main race while 42 took part in the shorter wellness run.
The marathon marked the first major athletics event hosted by the local authority in years, with council officials indicating plans to make it an annual fixture on the town’s sporting calendar.
Speaking during the event, Plumtree Town Council secretary Mr Thembelani Nyoni said the marathon was organised not only to encourage healthy living, but also to help fight against drug and substance abuse within the community.
“We are very grateful to you for attending this occasion – our 21km marathon and 5km fun run race. Let us meet again next year on the same date and at the same time. This event was in line with minimising substance and drug abuse, as well as promoting health and community spirit within our town. I’m happy to see people drinking a lot of water today rather than the so-called ‘injengu’ alcohol,” said Mr Nyoni.
Medical personnel were also on site to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants throughout the races. Bulawayo Medical Group Clinics (BMG) offered free blood pressure and sugar level screenings, while also providing counselling on diet, hypertension and healthy lifestyles.
Lady Colleta Private Hospital administrator Mr Terrence Mazibeli said the institution partnered the event as part of its commitment to community health promotion.
“We provided a tour vehicle with nurses to monitor participants during the race. We did this as it is our social responsibility to engage and assist the community. That is why we provided the medical aid team and equipment. Our motto states, ‘Prioritise people’s health’, and this event aligns with our motto. Running improves people’s health, so we felt we should be part of this,” he said.
Mr Mazibeli also encouraged residents to establish a local athletics club to ensure that such wellness activities become regular community events.
“I suggest there should be a club formed by the community so such events happen regularly, as this can improve healthy habits,” he added.
In the men’s 21km race, Tatenda Hove emerged victorious after clocking 1 hour 6 minutes 56 seconds. Mthokozisi Mhlanga finished second in 1 hour 7 minutes 58 seconds, while Ebel Chibanda came third in 1 hour 11 minutes.
The women’s category was won by Caroline Mhandu, who crossed the finish line in 1 hour 25 minutes 32 seconds. Philiphina Dube finished second in 1 hour 25 minutes 51 seconds, while Rudo Mhandarwa came third in 1 hour 28 minutes 33 seconds.
One of the standout performers was 18-year-old Xolani Nkomo, a Form Four pupil from Bezu Secondary School in Bulilima District, who was the youngest participant in the race. Nkomo competed in the demanding 21km race and finished sixth overall out of 57 runners.
All participants received medals, T-shirts and caps in recognition of their participation.
Some residents welcomed the initiative and praised the council for prioritising wellness and community engagement, although others suggested that future editions should include free participation options to allow more people to take part.
“We are proud of what the council has done and that it thought of its people’s wellness, but I suggest that next time, not all events must be paid for. However next time they should at least create a free event for volunteers to participate, as this is about wellness. Some individuals failed to compete today because of financial constraints,” said a resident who preferred anonymity.
The event was supported by several local companies, including Econet Wireless, Plumtree Bakery, Bhungane Investments, Lady Colleta Private Hospital, ProPlastics and Mavuka Heights.
