Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
THE Beitbridge Municipality has begun preparations for the 11th edition of its mayor’s anti litter half marathon, an event that has steadily grown into a signature fixture on the town’s calendar. Initially introduced as a way to promote a clean and safe environment, the initiative continues to shine a spotlight on responsible waste management in Beitbridge and along the major highways that connect the border town to other key cities.
Organisers have earmarked June 6 as the date for this year’s race, using the platform once again to confront the persistent problem of littering, which remains one of the municipality’s most pressing challenges. The marathon has, over the years, become a rallying point for conversations around environmental responsibility, public health and civic pride.
Beitbridge’s waste management burden is considerable. The town’s residents, businesses and stakeholders collectively generate more than 1 000 tonnes of solid waste each month, yet the municipality is currently able to collect only about 700 tonnes. The remaining waste often finds its way into open spaces, road verges and waterways, underscoring the urgency behind initiatives such as the anti litter marathon.
Beitbridge Municipality spokesperson, Raniel Ndou, said this year’s event will once again cater for a wide range of participants, blending competitive sport with community participation. The programme will include the main 21,1km half marathon, 10km and 5km walks, as well as Paralympics events, ensuring the race remains inclusive and accessible.
He said the 2026 edition will be staged along the Beitbridge to Masvingo highway and will run under the theme “Beitbridge My Home, My Smart City”, a slogan that speaks to both environmental responsibility and the town’s broader development vision.
“This will be our 11th Half Marathon in a row and we will have a number of activities on the build up to the event. So far we are in the right direction. There is a lot of interest in the marathon by both athletes and sponsors. We are convinced that we will register more than 500 athletes this time around. Currently, we are mobilizing for resources and we are happy that more partners are coming on board to cover critical issues like medals, prize money, t-shirts and race tags,” said Ndou.
Ndou said the official registration process has now opened, encouraging local and visiting athletes alike to sign up and be part of an event that blends fitness, environmental awareness and civic engagement. Over the years, the race has attracted runners from beyond Beitbridge, gradually placing the town on the regional sporting map.
He also revealed that the municipality has established a Sports Club aimed at identifying and nurturing talent from grassroots level, positioning the marathon not only as an environmental campaign but also as a feeder for emerging athletes.
In addition, Ndou said the entity will be responsible for managing the affairs of the marathon and ensuring it continues to promote healthy living and an active lifestyle, while at the same time keeping the anti littering message firmly at the centre of the event’s purpose.
Prospective participants can register at the Beitbridge Municipality’s main offices or at the housing offices in Dulivhadzimu suburb, with organisers indicating that additional registration platforms will be announced in due course to make the process even more convenient.
The organising team is also appealing to people living with disabilities and cyclists to take part in large numbers, reinforcing the inclusive spirit that has come to define the mayor’s anti litter half marathon. As preparations gather pace, anticipation is building that the 11th edition will once again blend sweat, solidarity and social responsibility into a memorable day for Beitbridge.
