THE Highlanders Half Marathon, which is set to be one of the headline events at the 100-year-old club’s Family Fun Day on 24 October, was officially launched in the city on Friday.
The launch was attended by members of the Highlanders administrative structures and volunteers from the celebrations’ subcommittees.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch ceremony, Mgcini Nkolomi, chairman of the Highlanders Half Marathon committee, said the event had attracted significant interest from the corporate sector.
He said several companies had come on board as sponsors, with expectations that the prize money could surpass US$500 for the winners of both the men’s and women’s categories.
“We have had a very good response from the corporate sector. A number of companies that include Cimas, Slice Pizzeria, Emergency Pharmacy, Business Friends of Bosso, Sun Casinos, McInn, Fresh and Green City, AFroat, Selkirk Butchery, Zarah Lounge, Supermed, MAC Motors and Highlanders Football Club have come on board. More have promised to come on board and we are looking forward to more,” said Nkolomi.
“From the look of things, we may increase the prize money beyond the US$500 first prize. The promise is there and we look forward to the day,” he said.
Nkolomi said every measure was being put in place to ensure a successful 21.1km race.
“We want this to be the biggest half marathon in terms of organisation and prize money. We have the athletics board as technical partners to ensure it lives up to that,” he said.
In line with the broader vision of the celebrations, Nkolomi said the half marathon and Family Fun Day would be anchored on five key thematic areas that reflect Highlanders’ values and its role within the community.
“We have identified five thematic areas that are key and will be visible on the day, as they sum up Highlanders’ influence in the community and aspirations going forward — points or matters that affect the communities from which the club’s members come,” said Nkolomi.
The themes are membership growth, road safety, environmental cleanliness, the fight against drug and substance abuse, and wellness.
Nkolomi said the event would provide an opportunity to recruit new members, with the half marathon and family gathering expected to attract supporters, residents and participants from various sporting disciplines.
“While we celebrate 100 years of existence, we have to start looking at the next chapter. Maybe through a bigger membership base, the club can explore and see how it can sustain itself towards the next 100 years. A large fan base of bona fide members can contribute financially towards the team’s economic turnaround. There has to be a paradigm shift fronted by members that speaks to financing the club in some way,” said Nkolomi.
Nkolomi, a former Highlanders board member and businessman, said the half marathon would also serve as a platform to promote road safety awareness.
He said Highlanders were committed to supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.
“As we celebrate our 100 years, we support environmental friendliness and are part of the green revolution. As Highlanders, we are not just about football. Issues to do with the climate and environment affect us too,” said Nkolomi.
He said Highlanders remained fully committed to combating drug and substance abuse within communities.
“We will engage partners and members who will be in attendance in the fight against drug and substance abuse. As part of our wellness campaign, we want a clean and safe environment for everyone in our communities. The drug and substance scourge has destroyed sportspersons and families,” said Nkolomi.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman Watson Madanyika was also in attendance and welcomed the growing number of sporting events being held in Bulawayo.
“We have embraced this race and many others that are lined up before the end of the year. As usual, we will offer our professional touch to ensure the athletics bit is done to the script,” said Madanyika.
Highlanders legend Lawrence Phiri, who won silverware as both a player and manager, detailed other activities lined up for the day.
Supporters’ chapters will compete in football, while former and active club sporting disciplines, including basketball, darts, rugby and football for both men and women, are expected to take part.
Chiefs Village will also be among the venues, as organisers seek to keep the activities close to the Highlanders Clubhouse, which will serve as the nerve centre of the celebrations.
The 21.1km half marathon, as well as the 10km and 5km fun runs, will start and finish at the Highlanders Clubhouse.
For the half marathon, athletes will run along the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport road, which also leads to Nkayi, before turning back at the 10.55km mark and heading back to the Highlanders Clubhouse.