By Edward Makuzva
The picturesque town of Honde Valley is abuzz with excitement as athletes from across Zimbabwe and beyond gather for the second edition of the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon. Scheduled to take place on Saturday 23 November 2024, as the highly anticipated event promises to deliver thrilling competition, breathtaking scenery, and a true test of endurance.
The marathon will feature various categories, including the full 42km marathon, a 21km half-marathon, and a 5km fun run. Participants will be treated to scenic views of the Honde Valley hills, valleys, and waterfalls, making for a unique and unforgettable running experience.
Last year’s inaugural event saw over 350 participants take to the challenging course, which winds its way through the stunning Honde Valley landscape. This year, organizers expect an even larger turnout, with many of Zimbabwe’s top athletes vying for the coveted top spots.
Alois Bunjira, founder of the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon, expressed his excitement at hosting the event for the second time during a press conference. He shared the inspiration behind the marathon, citing his passion for fitness, love for Honde Valley’s beauty, and desire to promote domestic tourism.
Growing up in Honde Valley, Bunjira realized the area lacked major events, despite its stunning scenery. After participating in numerous marathons, he decided to showcase Honde Valley’s hidden gem status to the world through a marathon, positioning it as a premier tourist destination and Zimbabwe’s first rural marathon.
“The marathon serves as an advertisement for Honde Valley, promoting fitness awareness and community wellness,” Bunjira explained. “Locals benefit from the business surge during the marathon weekend.”
Bunjira promised an enhanced experience for the 2024 edition, thanks to partnerships with old and new sponsors. “This year’s event will be more than just a marathon – it’ll be a weekend celebration in Honde Valley, complete with an after-party and bash. We invite runners to arrive early to explore Honde Valley’s beauty and tranquility.”
The Nyanga District Marathon, slated for November 23rd, promises an exciting payout for participating athletes, with a total prize purse exceeding $9,000.”
NetOne, Zimbabwe’s leading telecommunications provider, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local sports development through its sponsorship of the event.
NetOne Chief Commercial Officer, Learnmore Musunda in his speech at the launch of the 2024 NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon highlighted that a momentous event aimed at promoting tourism, rural development, and raising awareness on global warming and environmental preservation in the beautiful Honde Valley.
“It is with great pleasure that we, as NetOne, are proud to once again serve as the main sponsor of this remarkable marathon, in partnership with the Albun Fitness Club and other esteemed collaborators.
“As we gather for the official launch press conference, I am excited to announce that NetOne will be enhancing the excitement and success of this event by contributing additional prizes and giveaways to our loyal OneMoney mobile financial service subscribers.
” Our goal is to ensure that everyone participating in this marathon, whether as a runner or a supporter, walks away with something special, a token of our appreciation for your continued support and loyalty.
“Last year, we witnessed the successful execution of the inaugural 2023 NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon, and this year, we are thrilled to be part of the second edition, the 2024 NetOne Albun Honde Marathon. The objectives of this marathon resonate deeply with NetOne’s core values of community engagement, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development”,said Masunda.
He reaveled that as NetOne, we are more than just a telecommunications company. We are your partner in connectivity, innovation, and progress. Our range of products, including airtime, SIM cards, and customizable airtime bundles, are designed to meet your communication needs seamlessly and affordably, keeping you connected with your loved ones and the world around you.
“I also want to take this opportunity to highlight our OneConnect enterprise business unit product, a game-changer in the telecommunications industry.
” In simple terms, this fixed wireless service offers reliable and high-speed internet connectivity with dedicated connections, ensuring top-notch quality service, and enabling real-time decision-making in critical sectors like autonomous transportation, telemedicine, and industrial automation. With enterprise-level features, carrier-grade capabilities, high speeds, and round-the-clock customer support, OneConnect is dedicated to enhancing your connectivity experience and business operations.
“We are delighted to announce the launch of OneCare, a cutting-edge product within our OneMoney mobile financial services suite. OneCare provides hassle-free access to hospital cash plans and funeral cover insurance, exclusively available to OneMoney subscribers via *196#. This innovative service, underwritten by Zimnat Insurance, reaffirms our dedication to delivering comprehensive and inclusive financial solutions to our esteemed customers”, Masunda added.
He added that the 2024 NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon is not just a race; it is a platform for positive change and community engagement. NetOne is committed to supporting initiatives that promote tourism, rural development, and environmental awareness, and we are proud to be part of this impactful event.
NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon Prize Structure
All finishers will receive a medal, while 1st-place winners in the 42km, 21km, and 10km races will be awarded trophies.
Age Categories and Eligibility
- 42km Full Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, and 10km races: Open to participants above 18 years (male and female)
- Junior category: Available for both male and female participants
Prize Money Breakdown
42km Full Marathon
- 1st: USD 700 (male and female)
- 2nd: USD 500
- 3rd: USD 300
- 4th: USD 200
- 5th: USD 100
- Veteran (1st): USD 100 (male and female)
- Master (1st): USD 100 (male and female)
21km Half Marathon
- 1st: USD 500 (male and female)
- 2nd: USD 300
- 3rd: USD 200
- Veteran (1st): USD 100
- Master (1st): USD 100
- Grandmaster (1st): USD 100
10km Race
- 1st: USD 400 (male and female)
- 2nd: USD 200
- 3rd: USD 100
- Veteran, Master, and Grandmaster (1st): USD 100
Junior Race
- 1st: USD 100
- 2nd: USD 75
- 3rd: USD 50
Additional Prizes
- Consolation prizes for 5km category participants
- Raffle draw prizes
- Lucky winners who register through One Money will receive a 5,000-liter tank courtesy of Drip Tech.
- All participants are eligible for a draw to win an air conditioner courtesy of Nepro Air.
