Online Reporter
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
ATHLETES, spectators and nature enthusiasts at this year’s edition of the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon are in for huge and pleasant treats as the fast-growing race explodes into life tomorrow (Saturday) in the picturesque terrain of the Eastern Highlands.
The stage, organisers have confirmed, is set for what promises to be an exhilarating experience to mark the third instalment of the highly subscribed marathon.
Participants will compete in the 5km fun run as well as the 10km, 21km and 42km races, with categories for the juniors (under 20 years), veterans (40-49 years), masters (50-59 years) and grandmasters (over 60 years).
“Since the countdown after we officially announced the date for the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon early this year, preparations went on smoothly, and we are bracing for a bigger and better event on Saturday. To ensure that all is set in the build-up to the event, we conducted a route visit alongside our corporate partners and other stakeholders as a way of putting the final touches to the logistics.
“We are looking forward to a remarkable outing, different from the past editions in many aspects, one punctuated by spills and thrills. We have spiced up things on many fronts just to give the whole event a truly majestic vibe and irresistible feel. A truly unforgettable NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon not to be missed for anything is beckoning where there will be something for everyone,” said Alois “Gazza” Bunjira, one of the event organisers.
He said this year’s event received unprecedented and overwhelming response from athletes, highlighting that many had already collected their race packs.
“Since opening registration, we handled high volumes of enthusiastic participants that we were forced to extended the deadline to Tuesday to accommodate as many as we could. The event was oversubscribed.
“Apart from international athletes who are coming, local ones have been collecting their race packs at different locations in Mutare, Hauna, Harare and Bulawayo in readiness. We are delighted that people from different walks of life are coming to experience the Eastern Highlands grandeur and hospitality,” said Bunjira.
He said they are expecting both professional and amateur athletes, the young and old as well as individual and runners’ clubs to slug it out on the track.
Bunjira, a former football star who traces his roots to Honde Valley, said apart from the usual activity on the marathon course, an adventure on the Eastern Highlands has been lined up as part of the spectacle.
“We have also organised an epic outdoor adventure on the Eastern Highlands courtesy of a thrilling two-day tour to discover, explore and create unforgettable memories with loved ones in both Honde Valley and Nyanga. The excursions are on Friday, November 21 and Sunday 23, sandwiching the big day. A forest campsite has also been set up by Pungwe River,” he explained, adding that: “Accommodation in and around Honde Valley will be provided by our various partners, and there shall also be a camping village at the marathon site. The icing on the cake will be a music bash in the evening after the race. Lots of other leisure activities as well as a pool tournament on the eve of the event have also been lined up.”
The ex-CAPS United and Warriors forward revealed that they have collaborated with more partners this year in a great leap signifying huge endorsement for the marathon’s growing stature.
“The whole process preparing for this event has been very meticulous. We pay tribute to our partners – particularly the principal sponsor, telecommunications giant, NetOne – stakeholders, service providers, organisers, athletes and the local community for making everything possible. The growing number of partners coming on board is testament of the marathon’s appeal,” he said.
The NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon recently attained qualifier status for other international long-distance races following its certification late September by the World Athletics Board (WAB).
This nod by the WAB means that the marathon becomes the inaugural cross-country race hosted in Manicaland Province to score such a first as it is now being recognised as a qualifier for other international events like the Comrades Marathon in South Africa.
“We are geared to set lofty standards for the marathon and driven by unrelenting passion to go places,” enthused Bunjira.
Contestants across all categories are in for rich cash pickings as there are various prize money, with up to US$1 500 for the top finisher in the 42km full marathon up for grabs.
Prize money for the veteran marathon runners have also been reviewed upwards for the 42km race, with those finishing first, second and third pocketing US$300, US$200 and US$100 respectively. For the 21km race, the winners will receive US$200, US$100 and US$50.
An amateur runner from Hwange, Sibusiso Mbewe said he is geared for a memorable outing.
“I am going to deeply cherish my time in Honde Valley during the marathon. As an amateur runner, I am raring to go and pour sweat on the track through a spirited performance. I have never been involved in a race on a similar terrain, and this makes me relish the challenge ahead by putting my endurance in such a competition under a stern test.
“On the other hand, I also cannot wait to soak in the sweet and stunning ambience of the Eastern Highlands. The mystic of this place is naturally alluring, and as this is my first time also visiting this place that is among the country’s leading tourist attractions, I am eager to make the most of my time there and thoroughly enjoy my entire stay there. Regardless of how the marathon is going to turn out for me, I feel I have scored an absolute victory by just being in Honde Valley,” said Mbewe.
