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.

As the third edition of the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon approaches, one of Zimbabwe’s most scenic regions is preparing to welcome athletes and spectators in a truly unforgettable way—thanks to the Nyaradzo Group.

By Tongai Mwenje

In a move that blends hospitality, nature, and community spirit, Nyaradzo Group is setting up a fully serviced Nyaradzo Camping Village right in the heart of Honde Valley’s lush tea plantations. The initiative promises to elevate the marathon experience, offering runners and visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Eastern Highlands while enjoying modern comforts.

Each tent in the camping village is designed to accommodate two people, complete with two beds, solar lighting, a private toilet, and a hot shower—ensuring guests enjoy both rustic charm and essential amenities. For just USD $50 per tent per night, visitors can unwind under the stars and wake up to the crisp mountain air, just steps away from the marathon route.

But the experience doesn’t end there. The village will also feature a bar and shop, creating a vibrant social hub where runners can relax, share stories, and celebrate their achievements. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time visitor, the Nyaradzo Camping Village offers a front-row seat to the action and a chance to connect with the spirit of the event.

The NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s premier athletic events, and this year’s edition—set for 22 November 2025—promises to be the biggest yet. With four races on offer, including the newly launched BreeZ Half Marathon (21km) in honour of the late Brenda Zvinorova, the event is expected to draw hundreds of participants from across the country and beyond.

To book your tent and be part of this unforgettable experience, visit www.sahwigate.com.

As the countdown begins, Nyaradzo Group’s camping village is poised to light up Honde Valley—offering comfort, community, and a celebration of life in motion.

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.