By Tendai Chisiri
The second edition of NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon scheduled for the 23rd of November in Nyanga is bigger and better than the inaugural one said the organisers at the launch ceremony in Harare Thursday.
Speaking to the media at the press conference launch of the event, founder Alois Bunjira said he is excited to have the event for the second time.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Alois Bunjira said the idea of the Marathon came about from a combination of many things. “”My passion for fitness,my love for Honde Valley and its beauty ,and my love for domestic tourism.After participating in many Marathons, I realised that in Honde Valley, which is my place of birth,we did not have any major marathon ,let alone any major events,across the year”.
” Looking at the beauty of Honde Valley ,and seeing that it was a hidden gem,a jewel of beauty in Zimbabwe ,I thought it was wise to showcase Honde Valley to the world, using a Marathon ,and sell it as a great tourist destination, while also making it the first ever Rural Marathon in the country .With that in miind ,I put together a team and we started working on it””, Bunjira said.
“The Marathon is an advert for Honde Valley as a tourist destination. It also brings awareness for fitness and wellness to the community of Honde Valley. The local people also benefit from the business boom during the weekend of the Marathon”‘ he revealed.
He also revealed that the 2024 second edition of the Marathon is going to be bigger and better ,with their old and new partners ,all gearing up to deliver the best Marathon in Zimbabwe.
“It will not just be a Marathon ,but also a weekend fanfare in Honde Valley ,with an after party and bash ,after the Marathon .We also encourage runners to come a day earlier to have a chance to tour Honde Valley and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the most beautiful place in Zimbabwe”, he added.
NetOne chief commercial officer Leanmore Masunda’s speech at the event read on his behalf by Tinovonga Mukachana marketing manager One Money, said it was an honour to address all at the launch of the 2024 NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon, a momentous event aimed at promoting tourism, rural development, and raising awareness on global warming and environmental preservation in the beautiful Honde Valley.
“It is with great pleasure that we, as NetOne, are proud to once again serve as the main sponsor of this remarkable marathon, in partnership with the Albun Fitness Club and other esteemed collaborators””, he said.
“Last year, we witnessed the successful execution of the inaugural 2023 NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon, and this year, we are thrilled to be part of the second edition, the 2024 NetOne Albun Honde Marathon. The objectives of this marathon resonate deeply with NetOne’s core values of community engagement, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development””, he added.
Masunda also announced that NetOne will be enhancing the excitement and success of this event by contributing additional prizes and giveaways to our loyal OneMoney mobile financial service subscribers. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone participating in this marathon, whether as a runner or a supporter, walks away with something special, a token of our appreciation for your continued support and loyalty”, he revealed.
“”As NetOne, we are more than just a telecommunications company. We are your partner in connectivity, innovation, and progress. Our range of products, including airtime, SIM cards, and customizable airtime bundles, are designed to meet your communication needs seamlessly and affordably, keeping you connected with your loved ones and the world around you”, he said.
“”I also want to take this opportunity to highlight our OneConnect enterprise business unit product, a game-changer in the telecommunications industry. In simple terms, this fixed wireless service offers reliable and high-speed internet connectivity with dedicated connections, ensuring top-notch quality service, and enabling real-time decision-making in critical sectors like autonomous transportation, telemedicine, and industrial automation. With enterprise-level features, carrier-grade capabilities, high speeds, and round-the-clock customer support, OneConnect is dedicated to enhancing your connectivity experience and business operations”, he stated.
“Moreover, I am pleased to introduce OneCare, a product under our OneMoney mobile financial service. OneCare offers hospital cash plans and funeral cover insurance accessible to OneMoney subscribers through the short code *196#. This service, underwritten by Zimnat Insurance, reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible financial solutions to our valued customers”, he added.
In conclusion, he said the 2024 NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon is not just a race; it is a platform for positive change and community engagement. NetOne is committed to supporting initiatives that promote tourism, rural development, and environmental awareness, and we are proud to be part of this impactful event.
Giving vote of thanks at the same event, Albun Brenda Zvinorova from the Albun Fitness Club thanked the sponsors, media, Albun Fitness Family, Alois Bunjira, and the participants for making the event happen well.
“”We celebrate our partners who extended their hand through cash and inkind contributions. The level of corporation demonstrated by our sponsors continue to elevate the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon bar. With your support, we have assurance and confidence that second edition of the Marathon will be an event to remember”, she said
She also thanked the media for the job well done in publiscing the event, the participants who register to take part in the event saying without the participants, there will not be a marathon at all
She went on to thank the Albun Fitness Family for their unwavering support throughout.
Sponsors taking part are NetOne as the main sponsor ; First Mutual (Micro Finance); CAG Buses; Drip Tech; Nepro Air; LM Auctioneers; 4 May; Sweat Field; Eastern Highlands Centurion Pub and Grill; Palm Lodges; Humphrey’s Cottages; Valley Lodges; Hype Nation; National Athletics Association Of Zimbabwe; Manicaland Athletics Board; LSG Sport; and Priority Projects.
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