At least 300 athletes have so far registered for this year's Binga Kasambabezi Marathon (BKM) with organisers aiming for a total of 1 500 participants.
The marathon, set for September 27, will run under the theme: To Run Here is To Be Chosen.
The event seeks to mobilise resources to digitalise all Binga schools by 2040, aligning with the Binga Digital 2040 initiative to provide digital literacy and access to over 100 000 residents by building solar-powered computer labs in schools and communities.
BKM district organiser, Recent Ncube, said two local organising committees recently met to assess the current state of preparedness.
"Stakeholders have pledged to provide all the necessary support, including sponsorship, accommodation, venues, and protocol,” Ncube said.
“So far, we have registered 300 athletes and are confident we will meet our target of 1 500.
“We have also partnered with the Provincial Wellness Programme spearheaded by the National Aids Council, AFC Bank as well as Act4Binga, which focuses on youth advocacy.”
This year will see the re-introduction of the 42-kilometre run, along with cycling, draughts, chess, pool, and various children's games.
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For a 42 kilometre run, one will pay US$20.
The 21 km run will cost US$15.
It will cost US$10 to race10 kilometre (including wheelchair), while five-kilometre runners will fork out $5.
A 50-kilometre cycling race attracts US$30, chess costs US$10, and draught US$5.
The marathon will coincide with the last day of the BaTonga Cultural Festival, which will begin two days earlier, creating a weekend of cultural celebration and athleticism.
The festival will feature traditional dances, live bands, poetry, theatre, film, craft exhibitions, boat cruises, museum tours, and village tours.
The 2025 edition of the marathon will be held simultaneously in Binga, and Lublin, Poland.
This twin city race aims to foster international cultural exchange and highlight the global appeal of the event.
Since its inception in 2017, the marathon has seen consistent growth.
Last year, 1 119 runners participated, marking an 85% increase from the previous year.
