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.

Ruwa residents are in for an exciting weekend as the town hosts its Business & Wellness Expo on September 26, followed by Ruwa Town Wellness Day on September 27 at Chiremba Grounds.

The weekend promises a mix of business networking, fitness, and fun-filled activities for all ages. On Friday, major companies will showcase their products and services at the Business & Wellness Expo, while visitors can also enjoy free health checks, counselling sessions, Zumba dance classes, and surprise performances.

Ruwa Town Council Mayor Michael Mataruka urged the community to participate, saying:”We encourage everyone to come enjoy the Business & Wellness Expo, take part in the free health checks and counselling sessions, and join us in our campaign to say NO to drugs and substance abuse, especially for young people.

“The excitement continues on Saturday with Ruwa Town Wellness Day, featuring the Mayor’s Half Marathon with 21km, 10km, and 5km distances. Attendees can also take part in soccer tournaments, Zumba sessions, and other wellness activities. Adding to the fun, “Mukoma Zorro” will lead energetic Zumba dances, keeping participants active and entertained throughout the day.

Participation fees are modest: $10 for the marathon, $20 for exhibition spaces, and $5 for the vendors’ pavilion. For more information, residents can contact +263 773 633 999 or +263 773 188 926.

Mayor Mataruka emphasized that the weekend is not just about fitness and business, it is an opportunity to celebrate community, promote health, and encourage young people to say NO to drugs and substance abuse.

He added:“This event is about building a stronger Ruwa, where businesses can grow, young people can thrive, and families can come together in a healthy and positive environment.”

With activities catering to both fitness enthusiasts and families, this weekend in Ruwa promises to be informative, fun, and memorable.

Zimbabwe’s sprint duo Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba have successfully booked their places in the semifinals of the men’s 200m at the ongoing Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, joining an elite field that includes record-breakers and Olympic champions.

The heats, held on Wednesday, delivered blistering performances, headlined by Bryan Levell of Jamaica who clocked a staggering 19.84 seconds—the fastest ever time recorded in a 200m heat at a global championship. Levell’s performance set the tone for a fiercely competitive semifinal lineup.

Zimbabwe’s Makarawu and Charamba, both Olympic finalists, held their nerve and delivered composed runs to secure qualification. Makarawu won Heat 2 of the 200m event in 19.91 seconds, while Charamba finished second in Heat 5 with a time of 20.06 seconds. Their advancement marks a significant moment for Zimbabwean athletics, as the nation continues to make its mark on the global sprinting stage.

Also progressing were defending champion Noah Lyles, Olympic gold medalist Letsile Tebogo, and American star Kenny Bednarek, ensuring a stacked semifinal field brimming with talent and pedigree.

In the women’s 200m heats, USA’s Anavia Battle and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden led the charge with times of 22.07 and 22.24 respectively. Jefferson-Wooden remains in contention for a sprint double, while reigning champion Shericka Jackson cruised through her heat with characteristic ease.

With the semifinals set for Friday, all eyes will be on Makarawu and Charamba as they aim to push further into medal contention and continue Zimbabwe’s inspiring run on the international track.