CIMAS Marathon brought together over 1,500 enthusiastic runners, celebrating both athletic prowess and a vital health message.
Edson Nyadembera emerged as the star of the day, clinching the 21km title with a time of 01:17:56, a solid two minutes ahead of his closest competitor, Davison Madzivanyika, who finished at 01:19:47.
The event was more than just a race; it served as a platform to raise awareness about men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer. Tatenda Madzikanda, Cimas Health Group’s chief marketing officer, expressed satisfaction with the turnout.
We are happy it has been a success, with over 1500 runners coming through to participate,” Madzikanda stated. “We trust and believe that we’ve played our roles in terms of raising awareness about men’s health issues. We definitely look forward to a bigger and better event next year.”
In the 10km race, Watson Masendeke took first place with a time of 00:40:53, narrowly beating Samuel Vutete, who finished just behind him in 00:40:55. The competition was fierce, showcasing the determination of local athletes.
The 5km event saw Mthokozisi Ncube crossing the finish line first at 00:24:01, with Tichaona Mupazviripo following closely in 00:25:19. The tight finishes in all categories highlighted the growing interest in distance running within the community.
Junior Mavu, general manager of the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of the event.
“I want to thank Cimas for supporting the Cancer Association. The partnership goes a long way for us. The money that’s raised supports patient care, including chemotherapy drugs and food hampers for those in need,” she explained. “Without Cimas, we would not be able to offer the services we do to cancer patients and their families.”
Looking ahead, Madzikanda extended an invitation to the community, urging them to participate in next year’s Cimas iGo half marathon at the Bulawayo Athletics Club.
“Come and let’s raise awareness during this global movement,” Madzikanda explained, setting the stage for another impactful event.
The CIMAS Marathon did not only celebrate athletic achievement but also shone a light on the pressing health issues affecting men today.
