By Nothando Mathe
HARARE – Nearly 300 cyclists took to the streets of Borrowdale today as Cimas Health Group staged the third edition of its flagship “Pedal to Wellness” event, promoting heart health and active lifestyles ahead of World Heart Day.
The event, organised through the group’s iGo health and wellness division, drew cyclists of all ages under the theme “Promoting Heart Health & Active Lifestyles” — in line with World Heart Day commemorations set for September 29.
Speaking at the event, Cimas iGo Head, Dr. Nicola Misi, said the turnout exceeded expectation and signaled a positive shift in attitudes towards physical fitness and preventive health. She also mentioned that the initiative is part of the company’s broader iGo wellness programmes designed to inspire healthier communities.
“Today we hosted the annual Pedal to Wellness event, and we are happy with the turnout,” said Dr. Misi. “We are here to promote cardiovascular health. In commemoration of World Heart Day, we are encouraging people to get active because chronic diseases are on the rise. Cycling is a fun way of keeping fit, and you can do it alone or with your family.”
She added that lifestyle diseases remain one of the country’s leading health threats, but initiatives like this provide a pathway to healthier living.
“Cimas iGo is all about wellness. We are promoting active lifestyles, good nutrition, and better health overall. We want people to reach out to us for guidance so that together, we can keep the ball rolling on preventative health,” Dr. Misi said.
Cyclists competed across three distances: 45km, 22.5km for adults, and a 4.5km race for children. Each rider was tracked with a modern electronic timing system, and finishers received commemorative medals. To ensure smooth operations, about 50 marshals were deployed along the route to assist Zimbabwe Republic Police officers in managing intersections and guaranteeing participant safety.
Families, fitness enthusiasts, and professional cyclists turned the event into a colourful celebration of health, wellness, and community spirit. This year’s event drew over 300 cyclists, having opened the online registration to participate with a registration fee of $10 using one’s own bike or $25 inclusive of bike hire, while children under the age of 13 participated for free.
