Vumba Half marathon full of adventure and fun

Half marathon today.
The race was launched last year as part of efforts to raise awareness of sports tourism in Zimbabwe and the organisers are hoping for a better event this time.
Tendai Tagara, the race co-ordinator, said the main 21km race will start and finish at the Leopard Rock Hotel in Vumba.
“There is going to be the Vumba Half marathon at Leopard Rock. This event is more than a race because it’s also an adventure at the same time.
“The main event pass through the mountains and allows the athletes a scenic view of the area.
“The route also passes through the golf course and into the national park where athletes will be able to see some wild animals.
“It’s quite a spectacular route,” said Tagara.
Tagara is hoping that 200 runners will compete in the activities that also include a 10km race and 5km walk.
“Last year we had 140 athletes but this time we are aiming to hit over 200.
“Already more than 80 people have so far registered in Harare while more will register before the race,” said Tagara.
The main thrust of the race, Tagara said, is to use sport to boost tourism in Vumba.
“So far all the rooms at Leopard Rock have been booked and reports are that three quarters of the occupancy is coming from people involved in the race.
“Lodges around the hotel have also been booked and there seems to be good business for this period.
“This race is part of sports tourism,” said Tagara.
The first prize in the main event is US$ 500 while the runner up gets US$400. Tagara said a number of seasoned long distance runners like Wirimai Juwawo and Jonathan Chinyoka are expected to enter the event.