Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE’S premier long-distance athletics club, Mr Pace Academy has joined hands with a technical skills institution, Young Africa Zimbabwe, to host the inaugural Chitungwiza Ghetto Run on the 7th of October.
The inaugural Chitungwiza Ghetto Run which will be competed over 25 kilometres, 10 kilometres and the five-kilometre fun run, will coincide with Young Africa Zimbabwe’s 25-year celebrations.
Based in Chitungwiza, former long-distance athlete Collin Makaza is excited to give back to the community that supported him throughout his professional career.
“I am happy to have this unique marathon and it is going to go a long way in identifying talent as well as helping youths abstain from drugs. There is a lot of talent in the high-density areas, but some go unnoticed because of lack of exposure, and we are trying to bridge the gap,” said Makaza.
Young Africa is hoping the inaugural edition will be a success to ensure the race becomes an annual competition.
“We are very glad as Young Africa to be hosting the first edition of the marathon and we are happy to be partnering with Mr Pace Athletics Club, Patsime Water and Generation Health. The initiative is to promote healthy living within the society, especially in the high-density areas where youths are being affected by drug and alcohol abuse. We are hopeful that this is going to be an annual event as we seek to give back to the community.
“We started here in Chitungwiza, and we have another branch in Epworth, so we saw it good to take athletics to the high-density suburb,” said Young Africa director, Susan Madondo.
Some of the athletes who have confirmed participation are raring to go.
“We are happy to compete here in Chitungwiza and I am hopeful that I will win,” said an athlete.
“I am in this race to win it, nothing less,” said another athlete.
The athletes will compete on the 7th of October in Chitungwiza, and the organisers have partnered with various institutions to provide different services on the day.
