Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
ON November 22, dozens of athletes from across Zimbabwe converged in Honde Valley for the third edition of the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon.
What started as a test of endurance — with 5km, 10km, 21km and full marathon categories — quickly turned into something far greater.
Many participants discovered that the finish line was only the beginning.
For some of the athletes, the challenging hills and winding roads of the valley gave way to the tranquil splendour of nature and an unexpected invitation to unwind, explore and appreciate one of Zimbabwe’s best-kept tourism secrets.
As athletes crossed the finish line and medical checks were done, pockets of athletes, fatigued, yet exhilarated, found themselves drawn towards water.
The clear, cool waters of Pungwe River which flows through the region served as perfect natural pools to soak tired muscles, relax, and celebrate in a very different way.
The junction of sport, nature and leisure transformed the marathon weekend into an impromptu retreat.
The region’s rivers and their associated lush banks offered a welcome contrast to the dusty challenge of the run.For many, slipping into the water was more than just relief. It was a moment of communion with the valley’s quiet power and timeless flow. Beyond the rivers, Honde Valley’s steep hills, tea plantations, and mountainous vistas mesmerised many participants. The dramatic descent into the valley via a tarred road that drops nearly 800 metres over some 20 km brings one from highlands into a lush, tropical valley nestled below high mountain slopes.
Athletes and visitors paused to admire sweeping green hills, misty mountain outlines in the distance (the wider highlands that border Honde Valley) and the patchwork of tea and banana plantations that stretch across the landscape.
For many, the valley’s vivid greenery and tranquil ambiance felt worlds away from the bustle of city life.Organisers of the marathon designed the Honde Valley event as more than just a sporting challenge.
The marathon is part of a broader vision which is promotes wellness, community spirit, and tourism in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands.
And it worked. Several athletes, initially drawn by the competitive spirit, found themselves extending their stay after the race. They visited local villages, interacted with communities, and explored the valley’s natural gifts.
Many admitted they initially came for the marathon only, but left deeply moved by the region’s beauty and warmth.Small businesses and hospitality providers in the valley reportedly saw increased activity during the event, a sign that sports tourism has real potential to build livelihoods in Honde Valley.
The marathon may have started as a bid to create a certified long-distance race in Manicaland Province — and indeed, the 2025 edition comes as the first cross-country race in the province to be officially certified by the World Athletics Board (WAB), making it a valid qualifier for global races such as the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. But for many who participated, the real win came off the track. a discovery of Honde Valley’s rivers, hills, greenery, culture offering a living landscape that seems to breathe in a different rhythm from the urban hubs.
As one athlete, Essence Chirozva, put it after a dip in the Pungwe River: “I came to run, but I am leaving with a piece of this valley in my heart. I originally come from Harare, but I work in Mutare, and this was my first visit to this area, and the place got me captivated. It has been a beautiful experience,” she said.
After last Saturday’s marathon, it can be safely said, Honde Valley is no longer a secret.
The marathon has opened a door that leads to rivers, mountains, tea estates, friendly communities and above all, the quiet promise of discovery.
