Zimpost, partners launch 2026 Mr Pace Half Marathon

Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo

Herald Correspondent

Zimpost and its partners have launched the 2026 Post Insurance-Mr Pace Half Marathon, setting the stage for another edition aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and developing athletics in Zimbabwe.

The launch marks the fifth anniversary of the event, which was inaugurated in 2022, and brings together Zimpost, NICOZ Diamond, Global Risk Underwriting Managers (GRUMA) and Mr Pace Athletics Club.

The partners are working together to promote fitness, wellness and community development through the annual event.

This year’s race will run under the theme “Nurturing Champions for the Future”, with organisers calling for increased investment in athlete development, particularly among young people.

The organisers said the initiative was not only about promoting fitness but also providing a platform for identifying and nurturing emerging athletic talent in the country.

The event will be held on September 25 at Alexandra Sports Club.

In a speech read on his behalf by Zimpost secretary Mr Tapfumayi Matsinde, Postmaster General, Mr Maxwell Chitendeni, said the half marathon had grown into an important fixture on Zimbabwe’s sporting and community calendar.

“This is a precious occasion as the Post Insurance-Mr Pace Half Marathon marks five years since its inauguration in 2022,” he said.

“Over the years, this event has grown into an important fixture on Zimbabwe’s sporting and community calendar.”

Mr Chitendeni said the race had successfully brought together professional athletes, amateur runners, families, corporates and communities in promoting fitness, health, discipline and unity.

The fourth edition, held in June last year, demonstrated the growing appeal of the event, with Zimpost expressing confidence that this year’s edition would continue to flourish.

Mr Chitendeni said the continued partnership between Zimpost, NICOZ Diamond, GRUMA and Mr Pace Athletics Club was critical to the growth and sustainability of the programme.

“Together, we have nurtured an increasingly symbiotic relationship. Our partnership is built on a shared vision to promote health, wellness, athletes and community development,” he said.

As a national institution with a presence across Zimbabwe, Zimpost said its involvement in the marathon was part of its broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.

The organisation also thanked NICOZ Diamond and GRUMA for their continued investment in the event, saying their involvement demonstrated the connection between insurance, responsible living and the protection of people’s health, livelihoods and futures.

Mr Pace Athletics Club was also commended for its professionalism and technical expertise in developing the marathon into a credible and inclusive platform for athletes of different abilities.

This year’s theme places emphasis on the need to nurture athletes beyond competition, with organisers saying future champions require discipline, preparation, mentorship, opportunity and perseverance.

Mr Chitendeni said sport played a significant role in the physical, psychological, emotional and social development of individuals.

He said sporting activities also provided young people with an opportunity to discover their talents, develop leadership qualities and build meaningful relationships.

“By supporting sport today, we are nurturing healthier, more confident and more capable citizens for the future,” he said.

He urged athletes participating in this year’s race to prepare responsibly, observe the rules and look out for one another during the event.

He also called on members of the public to support the runners along the route, saying their encouragement would help motivate participants to reach the finish line.

The launch was attended by Zimpost board chair Mr Masuka, Zimpost board members, NicozDiamond managing director Mr David Nyabadza, GRUMA chief executive officer Mr Muvengwa Marumahoko, Mr Pace Athletics Club officials, athletes, members of the running fraternity and other stakeholders.