Stage Set For Gweru Marathon

Patrick Chitumba in Gweru

THE stage has been set for the hosting of the inaugural Uriella The Light Kids Cancer Charity Run in Gweru next Sunday.

The run is a memorial and fundraising event being mobilised by KidZCan, in honour of the late Uriella Muyemeki, a young cancer warrior whose journey continues to inspire hope, compassion and action for children affected by cancer.

According to Rudo Magara, Midlands Kidzcan Ambassador, the event will be held at Gweru Sports Club on Sunday, bringing together runners, walkers, cyclists, families, corporates, schools, community organisations, healthcare stakeholders and cancer advocates from Gweru and beyond.

“The event is being held as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, with the aim of creating greater awareness around childhood cancer, encouraging early detection, supporting children undergoing treatment, celebrating survivors and remembering children who have lost their lives to cancer,” she said.

Magara said participants will take part in various sporting and wellness activities, including 5km, 10km and 20km runs, a walkathon and a bikers’ category.

She said the programme will also include aerobics, Zumba and family fun activities, making the event accessible and enjoyable for people of different ages and fitness levels.

“Registration is US$20 for adults, while participants aged 12 years and below pay US$15. Individuals, companies, schools, organisations and members of the community are encouraged to participate, sponsor or support the initiative,” she said.

Magara said funds raised through the event will go towards supporting children receiving paediatric oncology care, helping address some of the challenges faced by children and families during the cancer treatment journey.

Beyond fundraising, she noted that the event seeks to create a platform for the community to come together, learn about childhood cancer and demonstrate solidarity with affected families.

“It is also an opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles through physical activity while using sport as a powerful tool for social impact,” she said.

Magara said Uriella The Light Run is therefore more than a race adding that It is a celebration of life, a tribute to a young warrior, a platform for childhood cancer awareness and a collective expression of hope and support for every child fighting cancer.