The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
THE Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) have partnered Musabvunda Fitness to launch a new marathon that is expected to add more glamour to an already exciting calendar of road races.
Hundreds of elite and non-elite runners are expected to converge for the inaugural AFZ Commander’s Charity Marathon and Fun Day at Falcon Golf Club in Hatfield on July 8.
The marathon will be open to non-professional runners, with race categories starting from 2km up to the main one — 21km.
The half-marathon is expected to add gloss to an exciting three-week period of marathon races, which include the Tanganda half-marathon set for Mutare today and the Victoria Falls event scheduled for next weekend.
“This is our first marathon as the Air Force of Zimbabwe and we believe our partners Musabvunda, who have been in the business of organising marathon races in the past, can bring in top athletes and the excitement to make the event a success,” said AFZ Wing Commander Donovan Muroyiwa.
“Musabvunda Fitness are a big brand within Zimbabwe and we believe our partnership will add more successes to the marathon story of the country.”
Musabvunda have been hosting the annual half-marathon races in recent years.
In May, they hosted the 2023 edition of the Musabvunda Sports and Fitness Festival half-marathon at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Sports Club.
Moses Tarakinyu and Olivia Chitate won the male and female categories.
The duo is also expected to compete at the AFZ Commander’s Charity Marathon.
“This event is a charity programme, where we are looking to raise funds to assist the underprivileged in our society.
“It is also an opportunity to fight non-communicable diseases, as they can be delayed if one exercises regularly,” added Wing Commander Muroyiwa.
Kudzai Pasipanodya of Musabvunda Fitness is excited about the partnership with AFZ.
“As Musabvunda, we believe in excellence and productivity, hence the need for us to do things properly.
“Yes, we are honoured and privileged to partner with the Air Force of Zimbabwe in organising their maiden marathon,” he said.
Pasipanodya, who took part in the Comrades Marathon in Durban on June 11, is confident that top runners will register for the event.
“We believe that the marathon we are going to hold on July 8 will be a professional event and we are going to attract a lot of athletes.
“It’s also good to be involved in a noble cause, which is to raise funds for the underprivileged . . .
“Our marathon events are known to be high class and capable of attracting a minimum of 1 000 people, and we believe, with that experience, we will be able to do the same with the AFZ.
“Registration of athletes has already been opened.”
