Preparations for the Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon are at an advanced stage, with the event targeting the health and fitness of the youth.
The marathon is envisaged as a platform to promote healthy living, discipline, positive life choices and community participation, organisers said.
Lead co-coordinator Talent Ncube told Southern Eye Sport that the Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon is the first certified Comrades Marathon qualifier and is scheduled for April 26 at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo.
Ncube said they are targeting 3 000 participants from across the country in different categories – 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km – with prize money worth US$60 000 and other consolation prizes.
“Registration is taking place online, the response is good, and more than half of the number of the targeted participants has been registered,” Ncube said.
Ncube, added that the marathon provides a constructive alternative to drug and substance abuse.
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“The event engages the youth to channel their energies into sport and wellness, contributing to a healthier generation,” Ncube said.
“We are coming in to fill that gap with better choices in life than drugs.
“Joshua Nkomo was an iconic person who pioneered peace and unity values; we want to carry the legacy so that young people are also part of nation-building.”
She indicated that the focus is for the youth to target finishing the marathon, as that will help take their minds away from drugs.
By coming together, she said, participants also contribute to nation-building, she said.
“We encourage them to come and showcase their talent,” Ncube added.
Nkomo, who passed away on July 1, 1999 was a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and a champion of peace and national unity.
He was affectionately known Father Zimbabwe.
Nkomo served as Vice-President from 1990 until his death in 1999.