Entries for the Annual Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, which will take place on next Sunday officially closed yesterday with about a field of 4000 athleles from local, region countries and the world expected to descent on the world’s seventh wondre to take part in the full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21km) and the fun run (7.5km).
Race categories include, open, veterans, masters and wheelchair.
FULL MARATHON – 42.2 KM
This main race will start in the car park opposite the banks and Post Office at 6.45 in the morning. All marathon is fully recognized by the local athletics association and the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) attracts some of the top regional athletes
Runners will run downhill and across the iconic Vic Falls Bridge, toward the Zambian border. Turning on the Zambian side, just before the gate, run back across the bridge, then turn right on to Zambezi Drive, along the Zambezi River, and past the Big Tree into the Zambezi National Park.
Athletes must look out for game – elephant, buffalo and lion are present in this area, as well as kudu, impala among other animals. There will be national parks’ rangers along the route to keep runners safe.
The route returns toward town, via Vic Falls Safari Lodge, and up into the residential area before returning on a second loop back through the Zambezi National Park.
The finish is once again at the school on the Kazungula road.
HALF MARATHON – 21.1 KM
The half marathon will once again start in the car park opposite the banks and Post Office at 7:15 in the morning.
Runners will run downhill and across the iconic Vic Falls Bridge, toward the Zambian border. Turning on the Zambian side, just before the gate, run back across the bridge, then turn right on to Zambezi Drive, along the Zambezi River, and past the Big Tree into the Zambezi National Park. .
The route returns toward town, via Vic Falls Safari Lodge, and up into the residential area before heading to the finish at the school on the Kazungula road.
The route will be the same as the Full Marathon, but starts a little bit later at 7.15 in the morning
FUN RUN – 7.5 KM
This race will start in the car park opposite the banks and Post Office at 7.45 in the morning and finishes at the school.
This race does not cross the bridge. After Zambezi Drive and the Big Tree, the route runs through the suburbs to finish at the school.
The atmosphere in the school stadium, as with the previous years where prize giving will take place, will be electric with local bands playing, various entertainment, crowds of local enthusiasts to cheer the runners, and lots of food and drink.
The marathon grew from the success of the Kilimanjaro marathon in Tanzania, and was first proposed by Wild Frontiers in 2005. The buy in of the local Tourism Board, the Athletics Association was quickly forthcoming, and Wild Frontiers drew in local tour operators in Victoria Falls to partner in the event management.
As with the Kilimanjaro marathon, the idea was to use sport as a means of attracting tourism to the region.
The first event, in 2006 was very small – around 300 in total – and, mainly local runners. Sponsorship was also limited due to the harsh economic conditions at the time in Zimbabwe.
In 2010, the improved economic situation allowed better numbers, and now the event is on the map.. It’s a unique event, running across a bridge over an international boundary, in the spray of Victoria Falls, through a World Heritage Site, and seeing big game such as elephant along the beautiful route. From a “sports tourist “point of view, in the surrounding area you have all you would ever want, game viewing safaris, boat cruises, walking safaris, canoeing, white water rafting, horse riding and the like.
As well as being a great breeding ground for the local talent, the event draws quality runners from neighboring countries, and from around the world – with up to 40 nationalities attending the event
- World Elephant Day - August 12, 2021
- New Flights to Ignite Kariba Tourism - August 8, 2021
- Zimbabwe Opens Two Land Borders - August 2, 2021
Alright, so I cruised through Vip666vip777vip888 and the vibe’s kinda…VIP. Feels like a place that takes care of its players. Thinking of signing up, anyone else tried it? Link’s here: vip666vip777vip888
Heard about rr86 from a friend. Looks promising, like a cool place to chill. Anyone got any good stories about it? Check it out: rr86
Pin-up Casino’s got a cool retro vibe that I’m really digging. Good collection of games, and things seem pretty smooth overall. Worth a look if you are into classic aesthetics. pin-upcasino
Lanawincasino is a rising star in the online casino sector! Games are updated fast, and the website functions smoothly. Worth checking out. lanawincasino
Looking to try my luck at X777hh. Spotted it on X777hh.org. I heard their payouts are pretty good, can anyone confirm? Test your luck over here x777hh.
Anyone else betting with 188Bet250 on 188Bet250.info? I’ve had some decent wins and losses. Their odds seem competitive. Check their offers here 188bet250.
Thinking about trying out AE48888 as I found it on Aeum888.com. Lots of live casino games, maybe too many, haha! Anyone has a great experience? Take a peek here ae48888.