Beatrice Imbayago
MVURWI – The third edition of the annual Munhumutapa Half-Marathon is currently underway at the Mvurwi Business Centre and Mvurwi High School.
The half marathon is being held ahead of the main Munhumutapa Day commemorations on 15 September, which also mark President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s 84th birthday.
The event is organised by Marathons4ED in collaboration with the ZANU PF Youth League and Discovery Ambulance Services.
The programme features first aid training and a medical outreach, bringing together youth, veterans, elite athletes, first-time runners, and the wider Mvurwi community.
The Munhumutapa Half Marathon celebrates leadership, healthy lifestyles, community participation, and the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Mvurwi residents and athletes have pledged their support for the fulfillment and realization of the Vision 2030 agenda.
“We have come to support the vision of our President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as Mvurwi residents in solidarity with his vision,” said Sherly Nyakudya, Mvurwi Town Council Clerk.
She said the Munhumutapa celebrations are a welcome development for their town, as they will bring lasting improvements to the community.
“We are ecstatic to be hosting the Munhumutapa Day celebrations this year, which provide a great advantage to our town. Already, we are witnessing the construction of new roads,” she noted.
Nyakudya added that the town council has set aside land for housing construction meant to benefit the youth of the province.
“We have stands ranging from 200 to 300 square meters meant to benefit youth in our province. More than 900 young people are set to benefit from these stands. We have also allocated over sixty-nine thousand hectares of land for the Munhumutapa Day celebrations,” she said.
Ireen Mashando, a war veteran and Mvurwi resident, said the marathon is important as it helps participants fight chronic diseases.
“I am happy to take part in the marathon today as it helps us fight age-related illnesses. As a liberation war heroine, I am proud to participate, even with a bullet still in my leg. I told myself I had to join the marathon to stay physically fit,” she said.
Gift Karonga, an athlete living with a disability from Mbire, said the Munhumutapa Marathon is a platform for athletes from marginalised areas to showcase their talents.
“We are grateful to be part of the Munhumutapa Marathon as it allows us to showcase talents from marginalised areas,” he said.
