Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa-Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
Mashonaland West province will tomorrow host two high-profile races, the Valour Race in honour of the Chinhoyi Seven Heroes’ gallantry and the Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General 21km Marathon.
Chinhoyi will host the Chinhoyi Seven Heroes Valour Race, which will start with the war veterans walk before races in different categories.
Dr Nelson Zengeni of Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) said the annual race was aimed at keeping alive the history of the Chinhoyi Battle.
“This is in commemoration of the Chinhoyi Battle that was held on April 28, 1996, marking the beginning of the Second Chimurenga,” said Dr Zengeni.
“We started this event in 2022 under the theme “I am the Eighth Hero” to inspire others to be courageous and steadfast as the Seven Heroes.”
The event is expected to be graced by high-ranking dignitaries, including the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa among others.
Families of the Seven Heroes have been invited and will be part of the event.
“The day will see the families of the Seven Heroes coming to be part of the commemorations. We are expecting runners to come from all over the country,” said Dr Zengeni.
To the South in Mhondoro-Ngezi, athletes will battle it out for the ZRP Commissioner-General 21km Marathon.
Mashonaland West province police spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera said Turf Primary School will be the starting point for the race.
Sponsored by Old Mutual, the annual athletics event will start at 6 am.
The race is part of measures to strengthen community relations and bolster the fight against crime and promote health and wellness among citizens.
In a statement, ZRP said the event was inclusive and open to members of the public.
“The event, which helps to cement relationships with members of the public in the fight against crime and also aims at promoting health and wellness, is being sponsored by Zimbabwe Republic Police’s perennial sponsor, Old Mutual Zimbabwe,” said the police.
The race will be open to the members of the public.
