Online Reporter
THE Beitbridge Municipality will next month hold the 10th anniversary of its mayor’s anti-litter half marathon, which it initiated 10 years ago to promote a clean and safe environment around the town and major highways leading into and out of it.
Organisers have planned to host the event on June 21 to address the persistent issue of littering, which remains a significant challenge for the local authority.
Residents, businesses and other stakeholders in the town reportedly generate over 1 000 tonnes of solid waste monthly, with the municipality managing to collect around 700 tonnes.
Town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, who is the brains behind the half marathon, said the event will feature races including a 21,1km run, 10km and 5km walks, and paralympic events.
He said this year the race will be held along the Beitbridge-Masvingo Highway, a shift from the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Road, where they have been hosting the event for the past three years.
“This will be our 10th Half Marathon in a row and we will have several activities to mark the 10th anniversary,” said Mr Ramakgapola.
“The first started in 2016 and it appears that we will continue for more years to come. The race registration has started and is $10 all round and school children and those above 65 years of age will be registered for free.
“We are appealing for donations in cash and kind (T-shirts) to ensure the race succeeds. Kindly note that as a way to celebrate 10 years, we plan to have an after-party braai at KCD Square (a place dedicated to honour Vice President (Kembo) Mohadi, covering the shops at the Bata area).”
He added: “We want to remind all the athletes that this race is about running against litter and at the same time we encourage residents to clean their environment and keep our Beitbridge Town clean all the time.”
Approximately 500 athletes are expected to participate in the marathon. The Beitbridge Municipality, supported by several partners, has been preparing for the event since early this year to ensure a successful and well-attended race.
Participants can register at the Beitbridge Municipality’s main offices or the housing offices in the Dulivhadzimu suburb.
Additional registration platforms will be announced later. The organisers are encouraging disabled individuals and cyclists to participate in large numbers.
