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.

The NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon has reached a historic milestone after being officially recognized as a qualifier for the 2026 Comrades Marathon, one of the world’s most prestigious ultra-distance races. The confirmation came in writing this week, marking a defining moment for the organisers, partners, local community, and every runner who has supported the marathon since its inception.

Speaking on the achievement, NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon Project Director, Mr. Alois Bunjira, shared an emotional reflection on what the recognition means, especially in connection with the late Brenda “BreeZ” Zvinorova, who played a pivotal role in building the marathon and championing its international accreditation.

“We got the badge. Comrades Marathon have officially written to us approving the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon as a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon 2026.

This was always Brenda’s dream, to have this particular badge, and she pushed so much for it. It was this very badge we were pursuing on the day we had the fatal accident. I want to believe she is watching from up there and smiling at this moment.

“I would have loved for her to see it for herself and touch it. I miss her so much. May her soul continue to rest in peace. We will make sure her legacy continues to shine,” said Bunjira.

He extended appreciation to the partners, community, and supporting institutions who have believed in the marathon’s potential and walked with the organising team through both triumph and adversity.

“Congratulations to NetOne, First Mutual Microfinance, Albun BreeZ Marathon organisers, Albun Fitness Club, all valued stakeholders and everyone who has supported us right from the beginning. Thank you NAAZ and MAB for your guidance and for believing in us.
May this be the springboard for better and bigger things to come.”

Now in its third edition, the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon has grown to become a symbol of community empowerment, tourism development, and athletic excellence in the Eastern Highlands The race continues to draw athletes from across Zimbabwe and beyond, with its scenic, challenging routes and its deeply rooted community spirit.

With just weeks before thousands converge in Honde Valley, the new Comrades qualifier status is expected to elevate participation, inspire new athletes, attract greater visibility, and strengthen the marathon’s place on the regional athletics calendar.

NetOne and Albun Fitness hosted a comprehensive route visit on Saturday in preparation for the prestigious NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon, scheduled for November 22 in Honde Valley. The event drew a wide range of stakeholders, including service providers and members of the media, as final touches were made to the marathon logistics.

Albun Fitness Managing Director Alois Bunjira led the delegation through the designated race routes, showcasing the start and finish points for the 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km categories. He also highlighted the newly pegged water stations, now positioned every 3km to ensure optimal hydration and safety for participants.

“This past weekend, the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon team, alongside our valued corporate partners and stakeholders, conducted a productive route visit in Honde Valley. We assessed the starting and finishing area, prescribed and marked by the World Athletics Board, checked out the exhibition point, and allocated water stations, in preparation for the event on 22 November

It was a fantastic and collaborative weekend, and we’re excited for a successful marathon!

We are still open for business. Come and get your corporate on board, exhibit and take part in the best event of the year in the most beautiful place in Zimbabwe,” Bunjira said.

The NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon has gained significant recognition this year, earning accreditation from World Athletics. This means athletes who compete in the event can now use their times to qualify for international competitions, elevating the marathon’s status on the global athletics calendar.

The route visit served not only as a logistical check but also as a platform to reaffirm the organizers’ commitment to delivering a world-class experience. With scenic views, challenging terrain, and professional support, the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon is poised to attract elite runners and recreational athletes alike.

As anticipation builds, NetOne and Albun Fitness continue to emphasize community engagement, athletic excellence, and international standards—setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark event in Zimbabwe’s sporting calendar.