The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
All is set for the 14th edition of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, which is being held in the picturesque tourism destination today.
The hugely popular marathon is making a big comeback to Victoria Falls, after a three-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Econet chief executive officer, Dr Douglas Mboweni, earlier welcomed all marathon runners to the event, wishing participants all the best in their races.
“I am delighted to welcome all participants to the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon and would like to wish all runners, in every race category, all the best in their races today,” he said.
He added that the company, which has been sponsoring the event for over 12 years, was happy with the preparations it had made for the event, in collaboration with the race organisers.
Dr Mboweni said the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon – regarded as Africa’s number one marathon – promotes physical, mental and emotional wellness and also contributes to the broader economy, especially in the travel and tourism sector.
“As the headline sponsors of this Marathon, we are cognisant of the fact that we promote both individual wellness as well as supporting the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors of the economy, which have great potential, but have been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
“The benefits to the economy that this event brings – both at the macro and local level – is something we are proud of and wish to continue doing going into the future.”
In 2019, the marathon attracted over 3 500 runners.
Over 4 000 participants from over 30 countries are expected to participate at this year’s edition.
Participants to the Victoria Falls Marathon have travelled from as far afield as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
And participants from the region and the rest of Africa continue to increase every year.
This year’s edition is running under the theme, “Run the Big Three” and includes the 42-kilometre “Elephant Route” full marathon, the 21km “Leopard Route” half-marathon, and the popular 7,5km “Lion Route” family fun run.
It also features a 10,5km half marathon relay.
