RUNNERS who expected to line up at Mtarazi Falls yesterday morning are instead marking a postponed start, after organisers shifted the Albun Mutarazi Ultra Marathon to May 2 to clear the way for Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa and across Honde Valley.
Race director Alois Bunjira confirmed the change encouraging athletes to brace for an electrifying event early next month.
“Independence comes first. We moved the race so the valley can host the nation fully, then host the world,” Bunjira told Standardsport.
The announcement comes as entries remain open, with organisers warning that “slots for the Mutarazi Falls Ultra Marathon are fast running out.” The event is framed as part of Zimbabwe’s push toward a $10 billion tourism economy by 2030, with Honde Valley listed among the country’s fastest growing destinations.
Yesterday, instead of the 62km, 31km relay, 10km run and 5km walk, the valley hosted official Independence activities. Tourism operators say the delay will allow visitors to experience both the national celebrations and the race within a two-week window.
“The marathon’s course showcases key attractions: Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe’s highest and Africa’s second highest waterfall, the country’s ‘most adventurous’ zipline, and the only Skywalk,” Bunjira added.
“Nearby Nyanga district holds Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe’s highest peak.”
Bunjira and his team are promoting post-race tours on the new May 2 weekend to Nyawamba Dam, Eastern Highlands and Katiyo Tea Estates, the Pungwe River Gorge, and Aberfoyle Bird Forest, which they say holds the world’s highest number of different bird species.
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Lodging partners include Aberfoyle Lodge, Valley Lodges, Pagotwe Lodge, Platinum Lodges, Palm Lodges and Betternia Lodges.
Local officials cite the valley’s 10 perennial rivers, six major waterfalls, Mahwemasimike rock formations, natural hot springs and year-round fruit as drawcards.
They claim seven of Zimbabwe’s top 10 waterfalls are in Honde Valley, including the Pungwe River.
The postponed event will still conclude with an evening function at Valley Lodges after scheduled trips to Mtarazi Falls and Mount Nyangani.
A separate event, the Netone Albun Honde Valley Marathon, remains set for November 21 with a different distance, terrain and format, organisers said.
Registration for the May 2 Mutarazi Falls Ultra Marathon continues online and at designated Valley outlets but closes on April 28.
