By Judith Nyuke
Marking a significant step in its annual growth, the Post Insurance Mr. Pace Road Race has transitioned from a local event to a globally recognized competition. The race achieved a major milestone with its fourth edition earning World Athletics accreditation, allowing athletes to gain crucial qualification points for the World Championships and Olympics.
Sponsored by ZimPost, Nicoz Diamond, Global Risk Underwriting Managers (GRUMA), and Zinara, the fourth annual event is set for May 10 at the National Sports Stadium B Arena.
Speaking at the launch of Post Insurance promotions—which include the Post Insurance Mr. Pace Marathon, the Post Insurance Ensure Licence and Win promotion, and a Post Insurance staff promotion—Mr. Pace Athletics Club founder Collen Makaza announced the race’s new status.
“I am proud to announce that the 10km and 21km race are officially recognised by World Athletics as qualifiers for the Olympics, World Championships and the Africa Championships.
“The 10km is now a qualifier for the Olympics while the 21km is a qualifier for the World Championships and the African Championships,” he said.
Mr. Maxwell Chitendeni, Zimpost Post Master-General, was pleased to introduce a trio of promotions, with the Post Insurance Mr. Pace Race among them.
“In our journey, we will be launching three insurance promotions, namely the Post Insurance Mr Pace Road Race.
“We also are launching Post Insurance Staff Promotion, which is also in line with our grand strategy of ensuring that our staff gets motivated and they get that dedication as we deliver joy to the citizenry of Zimbabwe. Our last item to launch is the Post Insurance Insure Licence and Win Promotion,” Chitendeni said.
“The Post Insurance Marathon under Mr Pace Race is aimed at giving back to the community in which we are operating.
“This year, it marks our fourth edition of the Road Race and it’s also being organised under the theme Promoting Physical Mental Health Awareness and Socialisation.
“The Post Insurance Staff Promotion, which is the second leg of our promotion, will run from February to September 2025. The draw will be held in October.
“Last but certainly not least, the Post Insurance Insure, Licence and Win promotion will run from April to October 2025. There are numerous prizes to be won by our loyal customers throughout this promotion,” he said.
Due to the Post Insurance Mr. Pace Race’s international recognition, GRUMA, through Managing Director Muvengwa Marumahoko, announced they would increase their sponsorship by 50%, setting aside US$15,000 for this year’s event.
