Online Reporter
Online Reporter
Tourism Month celebrations will take a lively turn in Harare this weekend with a community fun run at the historic Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfields on Friday, 20 September.
Organisers say the event is designed to bring residents together in celebration of both fitness and heritage, while also showcasing Highfields’ enduring role in the city’s cultural and social life. The run, which is open to all ages, is expected to draw athletes and will have 5km and 10km stages, families and visitors keen to mark Tourism Month in a participatory way.
Tourism Deputy Minister, Tongai Mnangagwa, described the initiative as an innovative blend of recreation and place-based promotion.
“This race is both sports and township tourism rolled into one,” Hon. Mnangagwa told reporters.
“We want people to see Highfields not only as a historic suburb, but also as a living, breathing community where sport and tourism come together. By bringing events like this here, we highlight our townships as destinations in their own right.”
The Zimbabwe Grounds have long been synonymous with major public gatherings, from political rallies to cultural festivals. Organisers say staging the fun run there is a deliberate choice aimed at anchoring Tourism Month celebrations in spaces that carry meaning for local people.
Running enthusiasts will take part in different categories, including a family-friendly 5km and a more competitive 10km route weaving through the neighbourhood’s streets. Beyond the race, there will be entertainment, local food stalls and children’s activities, making the event a full day out for families.
Officials say the Fun Run is part of a broader government effort to promote domestic tourism by spotlighting township heritage and lifestyle. By linking sports and community events with tourism campaigns, authorities hope to broaden participation and attract more visitors to areas beyond the traditional tourist circuit.
Highfields, one of Harare’s oldest suburbs, is regarded as the birthplace of much of Zimbabwe’s modern political and cultural history. In recent years, township tourism initiatives have sought to re-introduce the area to both domestic and international visitors through music festivals, guided tours and heritage walks.
“This is about inclusivity,” Deputy Minister Mnangagwa added.
“Tourism should not only be for those travelling to Victoria Falls or the Eastern Highlands. It must also celebrate the lived experiences of people in our urban communities.”
The Tourism Month Fun Run will begin at early on Friday, with registration currently in progress. Organisers are urging participants to come early, wear comfortable attire and join what they describe as “a celebration of health, heritage and Highfields.”
derick.khumalo