Story by Tamuka Charakupa
Over 180 participants took part in the Kadoma Pink Run meant to raise cancer awareness in the gold-mining town.
The mining town of Kadoma turned pink this Saturday morning as scores of people participated in the Cancer Awareness Marathon, a precursor event held ahead of the Kadoma Music Festival to be held at Odyssey in the evening.
Odyssey public relations officer Karen Shenjere underscored the importance of the initiative in community sensitisation and resource mobilisation for cancer patients in the country.
“This is an annual event where we invite everyone to participate in our pink run with the main objective being to raise cancer awareness within our community. In the process, we are also conducting free cancer screening at designated points. Ultimately with the growth of the initiative, we want to mobilise resources which will be directed to cancer associations,” she said.
“While the government has put in place modalities to cater for every cancer patient in the country, as citizens, we also need to play our part, and one of the easiest ways is to raise awareness and publicity over the causes and prevention measures of this killer disease,” noted Kadoma Central Legislator, Honourable Gift Mambipiri.
Zimbabwe Athletics Board, Mashonaland West Chairperson Enias Nhoro weighed in, “This is an initiative which not only addresses the physical wellness of participants but also serves as a platform to nurture and identity talent as far as long-distance running is concerned.”
Race participants praised the initiative, “I am excited to be part of this marathon because it helps to make our world a better place. Cancer is a very dangerous disease and when we engage people while running, we will be spreading awareness.”
The Kadoma Pink Run will culminate in a music festival in the evening featuring Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platinum and local favourites Winky D, Jah Prayzah, Saintfloew, and Gemma Griffiths.
