Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORGET the sterile streets and urban canyons of typical city runs. Imagine instead charging across a mist-shrouded bridge suspended between two nations, the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls echoing beside you, and the possibility of spotting elephants or baboons just beyond the route tape. This is not a fantasy—it’s the exhilarating reality of the
Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, a race that has now earned its place among the world’s most beautiful marathons, thanks to a groundbreaking global eye-tracking study.
Conducted in England by SportsShoes.com, the study used advanced eye-tracking technology to determine which marathon routes captured viewers’ attention most quickly and held it the longest. Over 300 participants viewed images from more than 50 marathons worldwide, and the Victoria Falls Marathon emerged as a standout, ranking 19th globally. This recognition places the event alongside some of the planet’s most iconic running experiences, from the Great Wall of China to the cliffs of Big Sur.
What makes the Victoria Falls Marathon truly exceptional is its setting. The race begins in Victoria Falls town and immediately crosses the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge into Zambia, with mist rising from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The course then winds along Zambezi Drive, cutting through wildlife reserves where runners may encounter elephants, antelope, or baboons. The backdrop is nothing short of breathtaking—waterfalls, riverbanks, savannahs, and the ever-present “Smoke that Thunders,” known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya.
Beyond its visual splendour, the marathon is a serious athletic event. Both the full and half marathon courses are AIMS and World Athletics certified, ensuring accurate distances and officially recognised times. This makes the race a legitimate qualifier for professional athletes and ultra-marathon hopefuls, while also offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for recreational runners.
The impact of the marathon extends far beyond the finish line. It has become a catalyst for local tourism, drawing visitors from over 40 countries and boosting the regional economy. It has also fostered international goodwill and inspired a health and fitness movement within Zimbabwe. Corporate sponsors have used the event as a platform for social responsibility, investing in education and community development initiatives.
Victoria Falls, often dubbed the “adventure capital of Africa,” offers much more than just a race. Visitors can enjoy white-water rafting, safari excursions, helicopter rides, bungee jumping, and sunset cruises on the Zambezi. Since its inception in 2006 by Wild Frontiers, with support from Zimbabwe’s Tourism Board and Athletics Association, the marathon has grown from a modest event with 300 local entrants to a world-class spectacle.
Top 20 beautiful marathons:
1. Big Sur International Marathon – USA, 2. Great Wall Marathon – China, 3. Loch Ness Marathon – Scotland, UK, 4. Marathon du Mont Blanc – France, 5. Angkor Wat Empire Marathon – Cambodia, 6. Niagara Falls International Marathon – Canada / USA, 7. San Francisco Marathon – USA, 8. Petra Desert Marathon – Jordan, 9. The Big Five Marathon – South Africa, 10. Queenstown Marathon – New Zealand, 11. Mount Desert Island Marathon – USA, 12. Barcelona Marathon – Spain, 13. Edinburgh Marathon – UK, 14. Lake Tahoe Marathon – USA, 15. Great Ocean Road Marathon – Australia, 16. London Marathon – UK, 17. Nice‑Cannes Marathon – France, 18. Kilimanjaro Marathon – Tanzania, 19. Victoria Falls Marathon – Zimbabwe / Zambia, 20. Brighton Marathon – UK
Bongani Ndlovu