Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-A total of 220 runners are set to participate in a World Water Day Fun Run scheduled for tomorrow March 22.
The event will take place at Kyle View Chalets along Great Zimbabwe Road in Masvingo, as part of efforts to promote the preservation of water bodies.
The fun run is organised by the Eastview Elites Running Club, will start at 0600hrs and will feature race categories of 5km, 10km, 15km and 21km.
The route will meander along the shores of Lake Mutirikwi and cross over the Lake Mutirikwi wall, giving runners exposure to the area’s scenic environment and a unique opportunity to experience the overspilling lake.
A total of 220 participants are expected with 90 percent of the runners coming from Masvingo, highlighting strong local involvement in environmental awareness campaigns.
World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March, a global initiative led by the United Nations to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources.
The 2026 theme, “Water and Gender,” focuses on the critical link between water access and gender equality, highlighting the role women and girls play in water management and the need for inclusive water solutions.
Speaking ahead of the event, organiser and race director Loreen Alutah Chari said the run is not only about fitness but also about educating the community on environmental conservation.
“We are running to promote the preservation of our water bodies because water is life. Through this event, we want to raise awareness in our community about the importance of protecting our rivers, lakes and other water sources for future generations,” she said.
Chari also highlighted the growth of the event and the increasing interest in running within the province.
“It is encouraging to see the growth of this event from under 100 participants last year to over 200 this year. This shows that more people in Masvingo are embracing running and also supporting important causes like environmental conservation,” she added.
Unlike major events such as the Great Zimbabwe Marathon which attracts participants from across the country and beyond, this run is largely made up of local athletes.
“Unlike bigger races, this event is mainly driven by local runners, which reflects the growing interest in athletics within Masvingo and the strength of our running community,” she said.
Most participants are drawn from the Eastview Elites Running Club which has also experienced significant growth and now boasts nearly 200 members.
“As Eastview Elites Running Club, we are proud to see our membership growing to nearly 200 runners. It shows that people are not only interested in fitness but also in coming together for meaningful initiatives like this,” she said.
Beyond the race, participants will also enjoy various recreational activities including quad biking, horse riding, boat cruises and guided lake viewing trails, making the event both a sporting and social experience.
The event is expected to not only promote environmental consciousness but also strengthen community engagement through sport as Masvingo continues to build a vibrant local running culture.
