In a deeply moving tribute to a life dedicated to sport and community, the organisers of the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon have renamed the 21km race “ BreeZ Half Marathon” in honour of Brenda Zvinorova, a founding member of the prestigious annual marathon who tragically passed away in Harare in August this year – three days after sustaining critical injuries in a devastating car crash on the Rusape-Nyanga road.

By Tongai Mwenje

Zvinorova, affectionately known as “BreeZ,” was en route to Honde Valley with her fiancé, former football star Alois Bunjira, and World Athletics Board representative Coach Wade for a crucial inspection that would determine the marathon’s eligibility as a certified international event. The inspection was successful—but heartbreakingly, Brenda did not live to witness the milestone she had worked tirelessly to achieve since the event’s inception in 2023.

At the official launch of the 2025 edition held in Harare on Wednesday, Bunjira delivered an emotional announcement: “NetOne and the Albun Marathon organisers agreed to rename the 21km race after my late wife, Brenda Zvinorova, to her nickname ‘BreeZ’,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.

The BreeZ Half Marathon will now stand as a permanent fixture in the event’s legacy, celebrating Brenda’s passion, leadership, and untiring commitment to the growth of athletics in Zimbabwe. The race will offer generous prizes to the top five finishers: USD1,000 for first place, USD700 for second, USD500 for third, USD400 for fourth, and USD200 for fifth.

Beyond the tribute, Bunjira outlined a vibrant schedule of activities leading up to race day. “We are going to have a pre-marathon party on Friday hosted by famous DJs including Tony Friday at Valley Lodges Events Centre,” he said. The race day itself promises a dynamic lineup: the full marathon (42km) kicks off at 5:30 AM, followed by the BreZ Marathon (21km) at 6:30 AM, the 10km race at 6:45 AM, and the 5km fun run at 7:00 AM.

“We encourage runners to participate, and after the marathon there will be prizes and business networking opportunities,” Bunjira added, highlighting the event’s growing role as both a sporting and economic platform.

As the countdown to 22 November begins, the BreeZ Half Marathon will serve not only as a competitive race but as a heartfelt celebration of a woman whose vision and spirit helped shape one of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious athletic events. Her legacy will now run alongside every stride taken in Honde Valley.

Harare — The third edition of the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon was officially launched at a press conference held in Harare on Wednesday, giving the public a first look at what to expect from the event set for 22 November 2025 in the scenic Honde Valley.

This year’s marathon will once again run under the theme of promoting tourism in Honde Valley, with organisers promising a bigger, more vibrant event combining sport, entertainment, and community development.

Speaking at the launch, Honde Valley Marathon Project Director Alois Bunjira expressed excitement and gratitude towards all partners who have supported the initiative since its inception.

“We are happy to have this year’s edition; it promises to be a big event and a good weekend festival. We are grateful to our partners and to NetOne for being with us since day one,” Bunjira said.

Bunjira, a former Caps United and Warriors player also revealed that the marathon had been officially recognised as a qualified international race by the World Athletics Board, thanks to the guidance of renowned coach Wade. “The marathon was declared a qualified international marathon with the World Athletics Board with the help of Coach Wade,” he said.

The press conference also took a moment to honour the late Brenda Zvinorova, Bunjira’s wife, who tragically passed away in Harare in August this year – three days after sustaining critical injuries in a devastating car crash on the Rusape-Nyanga road. In her memory, organisers announced that the 21km race category will now be known as the “BreeZ Marathon,” adopting her popular nickname.

“NetOne and the Albun Marathon organisers agreed to rename the 21km race after my late wife, Brenda Zvinorova, to her nickname ‘BreeZ’,” Bunjira said during an emotional moment.

Bunjira outlined a packed schedule of activities leading up to race day.

“We are going to have a pre-marathon party on Friday hosted by famous DJs including Tony Friday at Valley Lodges Events Centre,” he said. On race day, the full marathon (42km) will start at 5:30 AM, followed by the 21km half marathon at 6:30 AM, the 10km race at 6:45 AM, and the 5km fun run at 7:00 AM. “We encourage runners to participate, and after the marathon there will be prizes and business networking opportunities,” Bunjira added.

Also speaking at the press conference, Nyaradzo Group Head of Strategic and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Tendai Gwatiringa, said the organisation was proud to partner with the marathon and contribute to its growing impact in Honde Valley. “We are grateful for the runners who will participate and for the community at large. This marathon is more than a race,” said Gwatiringa.

He added that the Nyaradzo Group celebrates life and was pleased to be part of an initiative that promotes both wellness and tourism. “The Nyaradzo Group celebrates life and is proud to celebrate these moments with the Honde Valley community,” he said. “We are also proud to announce that there will be a camping village set up for runners, families and visitors.”

Gwatiringa encouraged broad participation from Zimbabweans and stakeholders across all sectors. “Zimbabwe should come and participate, as individuals, as an industry, or as corporates. We are putting Honde Valley on the map,” he said.

The 2025 edition features impressive prize money across multiple categories. In the junior category (under 20), first place will receive USD300, second USD200, third USD100 and fourth USD50. In the 10km veterans, masters and grandmasters categories, each winner will receive USD100, while in the 10km open race, the top five will walk away with USD500, USD400, USD300, USD200 and USD100 respectively.

For the 21km veterans, masters and grandmasters, each will receive USD100, and in the 21km open (BreZ Marathon), the top five will get USD1,000, USD700, USD500, USD400 and USD200. In the 42km full marathon, veterans, masters and grandmasters will each receive USD100, while the open category prizes are set at USD1,500, USD1,000, USD700, USD500 and USD400 for the top five finishers.

The NetOne Album Honde Valley Marathon continues to grow as one of Zimbabwe’s premier sports and tourism events. With its blend of athletic excellence, entertainment, and local empowerment, the 2025 edition promises to deliver a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.

Watch the full launch livestream on Facebook:

Ruwa, Zimbabwe — In a vibrant display of community spirit and social activism, Ruwa Town Council Mayor Michael Mataruka hosted the town’s first-ever Mayor’s Half Marathon this past Saturday — and didn’t just stand on the sidelines. He laced up his running shoes and joined the 21km race himself, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 2:19:11 and an average pace of 6:17/km.

Held under the theme “Running Against Drug Abuse,” the event featured three race categories — 21km, 10km, and 5km — attracting runners from all walks of life, including council officials, government representatives, private sector leaders, and members of civil society. The marathon was more than just a race; it was a rallying cry against the growing scourge of drug abuse threatening Zimbabwe’s youth.

“We are losing too many young lives to drugs. This marathon is our way of saying enough is enough. We must act now, and we must act together. Through sport, we are building resilience, awareness, and unity,” Mayor Mataruka told SportBrief.

Beyond the race, the event transformed Ruwa into a hub of celebration and community engagement. Local primary school teams thrilled spectators with spirited football matches, while Zorro led an electrifying Zumba dance session that had the crowd moving in unison.

Public and private institutions showcased their products and services at colorful exhibition stands, offering everything from educational materials to wellness products. Free health checks were available throughout the day, allowing attendees to assess their fitness and receive guidance on healthy living.

“I came for the 5km walk, but I stayed for the Zumba and the health check. It’s inspiring to see our mayor taking such a bold stand against drugs. This was more than an event — it was a wake-up call,” a Ruwa resident Tariro Mudzviti told SportBrief.

The Mayor’s Half Marathon was not just a sporting event — it was a strategic intervention aligned with national efforts to combat drug abuse. With Zimbabwe facing a surge in substance use among young people, initiatives like this are crucial in raising awareness and promoting healthier alternatives.

“We are proud to support this initiative. It’s a model for how local government can lead from the front — not just in policy, but in action,” said a visiting councilor.

As the sun set over Ruwa, the message was clear: the fight against drug abuse requires collective effort, and through events like this, communities can reclaim their future — one step, one dance, one heartbeat at a time.