Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
Deputy National Editor
PREPARATIONS for the Run for Hope Half Marathon set for Saturday in Beitbridge are now at an advanced stage.
The event draws participants from across the country and highlights ongoing efforts to improve local education and other community developments led by Vice President Kembo Mohadi.
National Drug and Substance Abuse chairman, who is also Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, is expected to attend the occasion.
Other ministers and officials from the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture; the Sports and Recreation Commission and National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe are also expected.
War veterans, security officers, people with disabilities and the local community are set to participate in the marathon.
In an interview yesterday, Dr Takudzwa Zvobgo, the Deputy Director (for) Monitoring and Evaluation in VP Mohadi’s office, said the event is not just a race, but a celebration of community achievements.
“We are now geared for the Run for Hope Half Marathon that will be held on Saturday.
“This marathon is a celebration of the achievements that have been made by our Honourable Vice President KCD Mohadi, in the Matabeleland South region,” said Dr Zvobgo.
“We know he is the Vice President of Zimbabwe and he serves the country, but for this particular one (the marathon), we have it where his heart is, which is in Mtetengwe.
“The Mtetengwe area is very dear to the Vice President because this is the community from which he comes. So, it’s a marathon to celebrate the achievements that have been done and to raise awareness in the ongoing drug and substance campaign.”
The marathon will feature several categories, including 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km runs, attracting participants from all age groups.
Dr Zvobgo said they were excited about the inclusive nature of the event.
“We are excited to see everyone here, including our war veterans and members of the armed forces, ZRP, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, those with disabilities and the community, taking part in the run,” he said.
Registration for the marathon starts at 5am and the actual running begins after 6am, ending around 9am.
Thereafter, focus will shift to the official handover of renovations done at Mtetengwe Primary School, which suffered significant damage during Cyclone Idai.
