The 2026 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon is on course to become the biggest edition in its 20-year history, with organisers expecting more than 5,000 runners from over 40 countries to descend on the resort city on July 5.
The iconic race, which has grown into one of Africa’s leading destination marathons since its launch in 2006, continues to attract elite athletes, recreational runners and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
Several race categories have already sold out ahead of the event, underscoring the marathon’s growing international appeal.
Race director Brent Williamson said the event had evolved into much more than a competitive road race.
“We have seen runners turn a race weekend into a week-long African adventure, and families travel together so that non-running partners and children can enjoy the destination while their loved ones compete,” Williamson said.
“The lifestyle dimension is equally important. Our field spans every age group and fitness level, from elite athletes chasing prize money to first-time runners ticking off a bucket-list goal, and that inclusivity is something we are enormously proud of.”
The marathon has become a key fixture on the regional sporting calendar, drawing competitors from across Africa, Europe, North America and Asia.
Beyond the competition, tourism stakeholders say the event has emerged as a powerful sports tourism platform that boosts visitor arrivals and showcases Zimbabwe to a global audience.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson Luckmore Safuli said the race was helping position the country as a leading sports tourism destination.
“Events such as the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon demonstrate the immense potential of sports tourism in Zimbabwe. Every participant who travels to Victoria Falls becomes an ambassador for Destination Zimbabwe,” Safuli said.
The event coincides with rising visitor numbers to Victoria Falls, with ZimParks recording 64,000 visitors to the Victoria Falls Rainforest during the first quarter of 2026, compared to 60,000 during the same period last year.
Africa Albida Tourism sales and marketing director Anald Musonza said the marathon had become one of the destination’s most important annual events.
“Every year, it brings thousands of visitors from around the world to Victoria Falls. The benefits ripple across the entire tourism economy, from hotels and restaurants to activity operators and transport providers,” Musonza said.
This year’s edition is expected to further cement the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon’s status as one of Africa’s premier road-running events while strengthening Victoria Falls’ reputation as a global sports tourism destination.