HARARE, Zimbabwe — Cimas Health Group will hold the third edition of its annual cycling event, Pedal to W3llness, on Sept. 27 at Borrowdale Office Park in Harare, with a focus on promoting cardiovascular health and active lifestyles.
The event, organized through Cimas’ health and wellness division iGo, will coincide with World Heart Day on Sept. 29. It is open to all cyclists, including children, with routes of 45 km, 22.5 km for adults and 4.5 km for children.
Cimas Chief Executive Officer Vuli Ndlovu said the event reflects the group’s commitment to healthier communities.
“At Cimas Health Group we believe in the importance of inspiring a healthier community. We host our annual Pedal to W3llness event as part of our commitment to promoting a culture of wellness in line with our purpose to inspire healthier communities,” Ndlovu said at a press briefing Tuesday.
He said participants will be timed using electronic bibs and will receive finisher medals. Registration opened last week, with fees set at $10 for those with their own bikes and $25 with bike hire. Children under 13 can participate for free.
“Whether you are an experienced cyclist, a beginner, or a fitness or wellness enthusiast, we invite everyone including corporate organisations to register and take part in Pedal to W3llness which provides numerous health benefits,” Ndlovu said.
The event will deploy 50 marshals alongside police to manage intersections along the routes. Helmets are mandatory and available for hire at the venue.
Ndlovu said the initiative is aimed at encouraging regular exercise and healthy habits.
“Heart health is central to overall wellness. The heart is size of a fist and is the strongest muscle in the body. However, it can become vulnerable from behavioural risk factors like a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, cholesterol, eating an unhealthy diet, or living with high blood pressure,” he said.
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year.
Cimas expects about 500 cyclists this year, up from 300 in 2024.
“Pedal to W3llness is not just about fitness, it is about building lifelong habits that contribute to better health outcomes. As we continue living our purpose, to inspire healthier communities, I invite everyone to join the exciting Pedal to W3llness and take a step towards a healthier future,” Ndlovu said.
