The NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon lit up the Eastern Highlands on 22 November as more than 1 650 athletes, including elite runners from Kenya and participants from the United Kingdom, converged on Honde Valley for what has now become one of Zimbabwe’s most vibrant community sporting events. The third edition proved to be the biggest and most memorable yet, blending athletic excellence, rural tourism, community celebration, and national pride.
The race kicked off at sunrise, with thousands lining the scenic roads to cheer on runners tackling the 42km, 21km BreeZ Half Marathon, 10km, and 5km routes. From juniors to grand masters, every step told its own story, determination, joy, grit, and unforgettable Honde Valley spirit. The trails were alive with song, laughter, and breathtaking views, turning the marathon into an immersive cultural and athletic experience.
NetOne Group CEO, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, expressed immense satisfaction with the growth of the event.
He noted that the marathon had expanded significantly compared to previous years and now stands as a flagship example of how sport can uplift communities and strengthen rural tourism. “This third edition of the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon has shown real growth,” he said. “We are happy to see the NetOne brand playing a meaningful role in empowering communities, promoting wellness, and positioning Honde Valley as a true sports tourism destination.
Each year, this event gets bigger, better, and more impactful.”Founder and Marathon Director, Alois Bunjira, echoed the excitement, visibly moved by the overwhelming turnout and diversity of participants. He shared that having more than 1 650 registered runners was beyond what the organising team imagined for this year.
“I am so happy and truly overwhelmed,” Bunjira said. “To see athletes from Kenya, runners from the United Kingdom, and participants from all across Zimbabwe coming together for this marathon is something special. This year means even more to us because the race was officially recognised as a qualifier for the 2026 Comrades Marathon, a dream Brenda ‘BreeZ’ Zvinorova worked tirelessly for. Her legacy lives on through this achievement.”
⁶The qualification status added a historic layer of meaning to the event, reinforcing the marathon’s growing reputation on the regional athletics calendar. For many participants, this milestone transformed Honde Valley from simply a beautiful race route into a gateway to one of the world’s most prestigious ultra-distance events.The day’s celebrations continued after the finish line, where athletes cooled down with a Zumba session led by Sir Charles Fitness.
Prize-giving moments followed, with trophies and prize money awarded by Alois Bunjira, NetOne CEO Raphael Mushanawani, and Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, who also joined the event to honour its contribution to rural tourism and community development.As the sun set, the valley shifted from athletic intensity to musical celebration.
Nutty O, EXQ, Feli Nandi, Tocky Vibes, Black Diva, and Jah Signal delivered electrifying performances at the After-Party Bash, closing the day in spectacular fashion and giving thousands of attendees a night to remember.
With its blend of sport, tourism, culture, and community empowerment, the 2025 NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon has cemented its place as a major event in Zimbabwe’s sporting landscape. From record-breaking participation to Comrades Marathon qualification and unforgettable entertainment, Honde Valley truly came alive, and the marathon’s future promises even greater heights.