By Nothando Mathe
Harare – The First Capital Bank Sports Club came alive on Sunday as runners, families and fitness enthusiasts gathered for the third edition of the annual CIMAS iGo Half Marathon, an event which coincides with Men’s Health Month, popularly known as ‘Movember’. Run under the theme “Champions of Empathy Inspiring Healthier Communities,” men were encouraged to prioritise their well-being and undergo screenings for cancers that commonly affect them, particularly prostate cancer.
The race attracted participants from across Harare with the morning starting before dawn as athletes warmed up for their respective categories. The 21km run kicked off at 5:30am, followed by the 10km race at 5:45am, and finally the 5km at 6am.
Registration was set at US$20, and each participant received a race pack that included a branded T-shirt, a string bag and a medal. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe in support of cancer awareness and treatment initiatives.
Competition was tight across all categories. In the 5km race, Brian Chingwa claimed first place, with Tafadzwa Sika finishing second and Tafadzwa Mufushwa coming in third. The 10km category saw Tinashe Magada take the top spot, followed by Blessing Nyambiya in second place and Tsitsi Maposa in third. The 21km half marathon was dominated by Lazarus Munetsi, who crossed the finish line first, while Rabson Zingwa and Edmore Mukamba secured second and third place respectively.
Alongside seasoned runners were first-time participants like Ocean Nyamurusa, who completed his inaugural competitive race with apparent satisfaction.
“This was my first time taking part in a race. Until now, I focused on weekly training. I’ve always wanted to compete and see how my training holds up,” Nyamurusa said after crossing the finish line.
“Thanks to consistent training and discipline, I finally made it to the Cimas iGo Half Marathon.”
In line with the event’s health-driven theme, CIMAS provided a mobile clinic on-site, offering participants and spectators an opportunity to undergo various check-ups, including routine screenings and cancer awareness consultations. Many took advantage of the service, underscoring the growing interest in preventive healthcare.
The marathon concluded on a high note with a lively Zumba session that brought together runners, supporters and families for an energetic cooldown. Laughter, music and dance filled the grounds as participants celebrated both fitness and community spirit.
Organisers hailed the event as a resounding success, praising the strong turnout, enthusiastic participation and heightened awareness around men’s health.
The CIMAS iGo Half Marathon once again proved to be more than just a sporting event it was a powerful reminder of the importance of regular health checks and collective action in the fight against cancer.
