Stage set for biggest marathon

Raymond Jaravaza . . .
THE Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) is optimistic the upcoming inaugural Bulawayo Marathon — bankrolled by three headline sponsors — will be the biggest marathon that the city has staged in recent years.

Pepsi, the National Social Security Authority (Nssa) and Rainbow Hotel are funding the first edition of the city marathon scheduled for September 29.

The 21km Pepsi race also includes the 11km and 5km fun runs.

BAB is pulling all stops to hold a successful event and possibly break records in terms of attendance.

In terms of numbers the Bulawayo Marathon is entering a difficult terrain that already has well established and funded races such as the PPC 33 Miler which draws thousands of participants from professional runners, amateurs, wheelchair athletes to veterans.

“As a strategic partner we always want to pull out all the stops in making the Bulawayo Marathon a success not only from a preparatory point of view but also by drawing a record number of participants,” said BAB chairman Manuel Mpofu.

Mpofu hopes the false start experienced in registering athletes will not work against the marathon.

A week ago registration for the race was temporarily suspended as a precaution against the cholera outbreak.

But after consultations between BAB and the sponsors registration resumed again.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience caused by some miscommunication. The marathon will proceed as initially planned and runners can proceed to register at the various centres in Bulawayo.

“Registration can also be done online at www.themarathoncompany.co.zw<http://www.themarathoncompany.co.zw> and those who opt for this option can then start collecting their identification bibs at the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel from September 22.

“Registration at the centres will close on Friday, September 28,” said Mpofu.

Registration is being done at the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel, Print Solutions (Fife Street), Silwane Tours located at the Northend Shopping Centre and at the BAB offices housed at White City Stadium.

Athletes competing in the main race will pay $10, while registration fees for the 11km and 5km fun runs are $7 and $5 respectively.