The Victoria
Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, will, on 3
September, be host to the first ever Victoria Falls Marathon.
The full
marathon (42.2 km) and the half marathon (21.1 km) will lead runners
through the town of Victoria Falls, over the border into Zambia
where, as they cross the bridge they will see the full majesty of
the Falls and the gorges below, and on a variation of the wishes of
Cecil John Rhodes, ‘…to
have the spray of the water over the carriages’, runners will have
the spray of the water in their faces.
The
route returns to Zimbabwe and continues through the outskirts of
Victoria Falls town and along the Zambezi River drive, probably
whilst dodging game (National Parks staff will be monitoring the
route). The finish for both races will be at a venue in town. The
full marathon will complete a 10 km loop out on the Kazungula Road
towards Botswana, before returning to the finish. There is also a 5
km "Fun Run" planned.
All runners
should pre-enter through the website (www.vicfallsmarathon.com) in
order to participate. No entries will be available on arrival except
for Zambian, Zimbabwean and Botswana residents who will be able to
enter on Friday 1 September in Victoria Falls. All entrants, both
local and foreign, will have to clear immigration on the Friday to
get a bib number.
This event has
been set up under the auspices of the national athletics
associations of Zambia and Zimbabwe and is supported by sponsors
such as African Sun Hotels, Comair, Delta Beverages, Safari Par
Excellence, Shoprite, Wild Horizons and Shearwater. It is hoped that
this inaugural event will place Zimbabwe and Zambian running on the
map.
The route has
been designed to give fast times as well as to take in the
magnificence of the Falls and is perfect for social runners too,
with entertainment and activities planned throughout the weekend.
Runners from South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya are expected to
attend, as well as a lot of social runners from Zambia, Zimbabwe and
Botswana. Prizes are being negotiated with sponsors, but medals and
t shirts are available for finishers.
A
half marathon and 5 km fun run are also being held on the same date,
and a "Runners Party" is planned for after the event. Income from
the event and attached actvities will goes towards on of the local
schools and to local athletics development.
August
2006
The
route returns to Zimbabwe and continues through the outskirts of
Victoria Falls town and along the Zambezi River drive, probably
whilst dodging game (National Parks staff will be monitoring the
route). The finish for both races will be at a venue in town. The
full marathon will complete a 10 km loop out on the Kazungula Road
towards Botswana, before returning to the finish. There is also a 5
km "Fun Run" planned. 
associations of Zambia and Zimbabwe and is supported by sponsors
such as African Sun Hotels, Comair, Delta Beverages, Safari Par
Excellence, Shoprite, Wild Horizons and Shearwater. It is hoped that
this inaugural event will place Zimbabwe and Zambian running on the
map.
A
half marathon and 5 km fun run are also being held on the same date,
and a "Runners Party" is planned for after the event. Income from
the event and attached actvities will goes towards on of the local
schools and to local athletics development.