Celebrated, award-winning Zimbabwean music superstar Jah Prayzah is officially locked in to headline the inaugural Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) Nyanga Mountain Valley Marathon and Music Festival.
Set to take place on September 26, 2026, in Zimbabwe’s breathtaking Eastern Highlands, the unique event promises to fuse high-endurance sports with top-tier entertainment under the banner of "One Epic Weekend!"
For music fans and fitness enthusiasts alike, the festival offers the ultimate hybrid experience.
After a grueling day of navigating the Eastern Highlands' notorious terrains, participants and spectators will converge for a massive music festival anchored by Jah Prayzah's signature contemporary sounds and energetic performance.
The inclusion of one of the nation’s biggest musical exports highlights RTG’s vision of blending sport, culture, wellness, and entertainment to boost destination-based tourism.
"At Rainbow Tourism Group, we are continuously seeking innovative ways to showcase Zimbabwe's tourism assets while creating memorable experiences for travellers," said Tendai Madziwanyika, RTG chief executive.
"The Mountain Valley Marathon and Music Festival perfectly aligns with our vision... We believe this event has the potential to become one of the country's flagship annual tourism and sporting events."
Before the music kicks off, athletes will test their limits across four race categories designed for all fitness levels.
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Participants can choose between the 3km Fun Run, the 5km Run, the 10km Run, or the challenging 21km Half Marathon.
The routes are designed to offer a true physical test, featuring dramatic uphill and downhill elevations that showcase the literal mountains and valleys of the region.
To ensure a world-class sporting experience, RTG has partnered with Musabvunda, one of Zimbabwe’s most respected marathon event organisers.
Musabvunda brings a wealth of expertise to the table, having previously managed major events like the United Methodist Half Marathon, St Giles Cerebral Palsy, and various high-profile college road races.
"The Mountain Valley Marathon and Music Festival presents a unique opportunity to combine competitive running with destination tourism and entertainment," Musabvunda said.
"Having organised and supported some of Zimbabwe's successful marathon events over the years, we understand what it takes to deliver a safe, professionally managed and memorable race experience.
“As Musabvunda we strongly believe in the fact that a healthy mind which leads to maximum productivity and capacity utilisation which in turn makes the world a better place a mile at a time.
“The Eastern Highlands provides an exceptional setting for runners, and we are excited to bring our expertise to an event that will undoubtedly become a highlight on Zimbabwe's sporting calendar going forward."
Beyond the entertainment and physical challenge, the festival is a strategic push to position the Eastern Highlands as a premier African hub for sports and wellness tourism.
The event is expected to draw regional and international crowds, providing a welcome economic boost for local communities, transport operators, and hospitality businesses.
To accommodate traveling attendees, organizers have negotiated special hospitality deals, with accommodation packages starting from US$85 per night for bed and breakfast.
Registration for the marathon is officially open. The registration fee is set at US20, which includes an official race pack for all categories.
For those looking to attend the music festival, early bird standard tickets are available for US10, while early bird VIP tickets are priced at US$20.
