SEVERAL corporates have come on board in support of the inaugural Masiyephambili marathon to be held in the city on November 3 organisers said yesterday.
Sukoluhle Mthethwa Sports Reporter
The race is being organised by the Masiyephambili marathon organising committee in partnership with the City of Bulawayo, with Alpha Media Holdings’ Southern Eye as the media partner.
Chairman of the organising committee, Thamsanqa Ncube, confirmed the development to Southern Eye Sport yesterday.
“Several corporates have pledged their full support for the event. These include PPC Zimbabwe Limited, Auto World Bulawayo, Ingwebu, Edgars, Schweppes, Dairibord and Delta Beverages as well as other business entities around the city. Others are also showing interest in supporting the event.
“We appreciate the support we are getting especially looking at the fact that most companies are facing financial challenges,” he said.
Ncube said they were expecting many athletes to feature in the inaugural marathon.
“Following the cancellation of the Gutu half-marathon and the Hope Fountain 30km race, we are expecting that more athletes will want to participate in this event. The first 100 athletes to register will get incentives,” he said.
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The race will start from Luveve Stadium and take a route past Mpilo Hospital, to Leopold Takawira Avenue, to UBH, to Mater Dei Hospital and Ingutsheni into Plumtree Road and through the city’s industrial area passing through Dunlop and Datlabs and connecting to Siyephambili Road in Bellevue suburb and back to Luveve.
Winners of the race will get $1 500 in both the men and women’s categories (42,2km), $600 for the half-marathon, junior relay (21,1km) and the masters’ category (full marathon) while $500 will got to the winners in the wheelchair category (21,1km).
Athletes from number one-10 are expected to get prizes.
Ncube explained the reason for having the race.
“Bulawayo is celebrating 70 years, so we are having this race as part of the commemorations of the city’s status.
“We also want to fundraise for Mpilo Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals, Ingutsheni and Thorngrove hospitals,” Ncube said.
