Sithembinkosi L. Jiyane
Sports Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
The Highlanders Athletics Club will host its inaugural half marathon this Sunday, 5 October 2025, at the Highlanders Sports Club at 6am.
The event is part of efforts to promote healthy living in the community, with organisers partnering ZimbosAbantu to provide free health checks for participants.
At the Press conference, Club chairman Lawrence Phiri said the expansion of the event reflects the club’s growing commitment to athletics.
“This year we have introduced a 21km half marathon for seasoned runners alongside the 5km run/walk and 10km race. We are delighted with the positive responses we’ve received so far, with participants confirming attendance from as far as Kwekwe,” Phiri said.
Last year’s fun run drew about 150 participants, and this year organisers are targeting to double the number. All entrants will receive medals and race shirts, while winners will walk away with prizes to be confirmed once sponsorship negotiations are finalised.
The races will start and finish at the clubhouse, using Queens Drive and Airport Road as the main routes. Runners in the 21km half marathon will turn back at the 10.5km mark, while 10km and 5km participants will turn at their respective halfway points.
Several corporates have pledged support by entering employees, including CBZ, First Mutual, Zimparks, NSSA, and Nyaradzo. Event partners include Schweppes, Sila Health, John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust, Econet, ZimbosAbantu, and Itel.
The race also ties into the Highlanders Football Club’s “ROAD to 100 years” campaign, which marks the institution’s upcoming centenary in 2026.
Meanwhile, the event has received a ringing endorsement from the Bulawayo Athletics Board. Chairperson Watson Madanyika praised the marathon for its role in grooming athletes for bigger stages.
“It is events like this one that prepare our provincial and international athletes to qualify for regional and international competitions,” Madanyika said.
He cited marathon runner Isaac Mpofu as an example of local athletes making a mark globally.
“One of our athletes, Isaac Mpofu, participated in the marathon in Japan and finished in 10th position. He has also promised to be part of this coming marathon,” Madanyika explained.
Madanyika urged the organisers to meet standards set by the National Athletics Association to attract more elite athletes.
“As Highlanders, we request that you meet the National Athletics Association standards for hosting a half marathon so that we can attract more runners and professional athletes,” he said.
He further encouraged other companies to emulate Highlanders by supporting athletics development.
“We are also encouraging other companies to do likewise so that we have more competitions and more half marathons in the province,” Madanyika noted.
Madanyika also stressed inclusivity, assuring that the event will cater for all, including people with disabilities.
“We are leaving no one behind. Even people with disabilities are encouraged to participate, and there will be wheelchairs available,” he said.
“As Bulawayo Athletics, we are happy, and we encourage all runners in Bulawayo to participate in this Sunday’s event,” he added.
With strong backing from corporates, community partners, and athletics authorities, the Highlanders Half Marathon is shaping up to be more than just a race, it is a celebration of health, inclusivity, and sporting excellence.
The debut event is expected to set the tone for future editions and strengthen Bulawayo’s place on the athletics map.
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