TRIATHLON Zimbabwe (TZ) officially kicked off preparations for one of Africa’s most enduring sporting events yesterday, launching the 2026 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup and Multisport Festival at a Press briefing in Harare.
Scheduled for March 14 at the Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga, the 19th edition cements the event’s status as a premier fixture on the global triathlon calendar.
This year also marks 12 consecutive years of Bonaqua sponsorship, now complemented by Schweppes Zimbabwe’s introduction of Powerade to the local market, expanding hydration options for elite athletes and recreational participants alike.
The Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup is more than a race. Sanctioned by World Triathlon, it offers critical Olympic qualification points while serving as a platform for athlete development and sports tourism. Local star Andie Kuipers, an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship recipient, will compete in her first race of the season at home, embodying the event’s blend of international competition and national pride.
Guest of honour Sport, Art, Recreation and Culture deputy minister, Emily Jesaya, praised the organisers for their professionalism and the event’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s sports tourism.
“The government treasures the role of this event in enhancing Zimbabwe's competitive attractiveness, drawing elite foreign athletes and visitors, and positioning our nation as a reliable destination for high-quality international sport,” she said.
Jesaya challenged other sporting bodies to emulate triathlon’s model of strong governance, dependable partnerships, and quality event delivery.
Zimbabwe Olympic Committee chief executive officer Marlene Gadzirayi highlighted the Cup’s role in fostering international competitiveness.
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She noted Kuipers’ rise following her narrow miss for Paris 2024, positioning her for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Triathlon Zimbabwe president Ross O'Donoghue described the festival as a showcase of national pride and resilience, noting the Troutbeck Resort’s unique setting in the Eastern Highlands as one of Africa’s most scenic sporting venues.
"The Bonaqua African Triathlon and Multi-Sport Festival represents more than a race. It represents a partnership. It represents national pride. It represents a continued growth of sports in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The 2026 festival features African Cross-Triathlon Championships, the Cimas Corporate Challenge, and Tri-Kidz races, promoting community participation alongside elite competition. Sponsors including African Sun, CFAO Motors, Cimas, EcoCash, and Rooneys, together with Bonaqua and Powerade, ensure the event remains a gold standard in athlete development and sports tourism.
