Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Sports Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Bulawayo is set to come alive on Sunday, October 5, 2025, when the Highlanders Athletics Club hosts the much-anticipated Highlanders Half Marathon.
The event promises to combine fitness, fun, and football spirit as runners of all levels lace up to support the Bosso cause.
The marathon, which kicks off at 6:00 AM from the Highlanders Club House, will feature three race distances, 21km, 10km, and 5km, ensuring that both seasoned athletes and beginners can take part. This year’s event is not just a race; it is a celebration of health, community, and sport.
From Fun Run to Half Marathon
Highlanders Chairman Lawrence Phiri explained that last year the club launched its first initiative, a fun run, aimed at encouraging regular exercise and healthy living. Building on its success, this year the club is taking the concept further by introducing a half marathon.
”As an athletics club, we realized the importance of encouraging communities to stay fit and proactive in managing their health. Regular running not only improves fitness but also helps in the early detection of health conditions”, Phiri said.
To complement the event’s health focus, Highlanders have partnered with Zimbozabantu, who will provide free health testing services to all attendees, including checks for blood pressure, sugar levels, and weight.
”We want to give everyone an opportunity to look after their health while enjoying sport,” Phiri added.
Expanding Opportunities for All
In 2024, the club hosted 5km and 10km races, but this year they’ve expanded to include a 21km distance.
”This year, we’ve added a 21km race to attract even more participants and give runners options based on their ability and interest,” Phiri explained.
He also stressed that the marathon is open to everyone, professional athletes, amateurs, juniors, and wheelchair participants.
”We’ve got the junior categories, the wheelchair category, and all race distances. Everyone is welcome to take part,” he said.
A Broader Vision for Highlanders
Highlanders Football Club, one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic sports institutions, has evolved beyond football to embrace multiple sporting disciplines. With rugby, netball, basketball, volleyball, and more under its banner, Highlanders is building a legacy as a true sporting brand.
”Highlanders started off as a football club, but we saw the need to expand. Not all talent is in football, some young people are gifted in other sports, and we want them to find a home here,” Phiri said.
Looking ahead, the club plans to host more events, including track and field competitions and additional marathons. They are also developing a program to recruit and train young athletes in partnership with top coaches, with a formal launch planned for next year.
”Our vision is to become a leading athletics club in Zimbabwe, not just hosting races but developing athletes and representing the country across all disciplines,” Phiri stated.
The upcoming half marathon is also part of Highlanders’ preparations for their centenary celebrations in 2026.
”Next year, Highlanders turns 100. We’ll mark that milestone with a series of events, one of them being a marathon that will bring together the entire Bosso family,” Phiri confirmed.
With excitement building, the Highlanders Half Marathon is shaping up to be one of Bulawayo’s most anticipated sporting events, bringing together fitness enthusiasts, football fans, and the wider community for a cause that goes far beyond the finish line.
Registration and Participation Details
Registration for the marathon is already open. Forms are available at the Highlanders Club House and Office, while participants can also register online by scanning the event’s QR code or paying via EcoCash merchant code 048798. The registration fee is $15.
For more information, interested runners can contact the organizers on +263 78 428 1749 or +263 77 236 1541, or follow the Highlanders Athletics Club on WhatsApp (+263 782 890 688), Facebook (@HighlandersAthleticsClub), and Twitter/X (@HighlandersAthleticsClub).
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