By Staff Reporter
Cimas Health Group has announced September 27, 2025, as the date for the third edition of its flagship cycling event, Pedal to W3llness, an initiative aimed at promoting cardiovascular fitness and healthy living among Zimbabweans.
The event, organised through the health group’s wellness division iGo, will take place at Borrowdale Office Park in Harare, which will serve as both the start and finishing point. Open to all—including professional cyclists, beginners, and children—the Pedal to W3llness event has grown into a major fixture on the health and wellness calendar.
This year’s edition will run under the theme, “Promoting Heart Health & Active Lifestyles”, aligning with World Heart Day, which is observed globally on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular health.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Cimas headquarters, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Vuli Ndlovu said the initiative reflects the organisation’s broader commitment to inspire healthier communities.
At Cimas Health Group, we believe in the importance of inspiring a healthier community. Our annual Pedal to W3llness event is part of our commitment to promoting a culture of wellness in line with our purpose to inspire healthier communities,” Mr. Ndlovu said.
The event will feature three race categories: a 45km and 22.5km route for adults, and a 4.5km ride for children. Participants will be timed using a modern electronic race-tracking system integrated into race bibs, and all finishers will receive medals.
Online registration, which opened last week, costs US$10 for those using their own bikes, while bike hire packages are available at US$25. Children under 13 can participate free of charge. Helmets will be mandatory, with hires available at the venue.
To ensure safety, the organisers will deploy 50 marshals to work with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to manage intersections along the cycling routes. All participants are also required to sign indemnity forms, with those not covered by medical aid signing waivers.
Highlighting the significance of this year’s theme, Mr. Ndlovu pointed out that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, claiming nearly 18 million lives annually according to the World Health Organisation.
“Heart health is central to overall wellness. The heart, though small, can be severely impacted by risk factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and high blood pressure. The good news is that up to 80% of premature CVD deaths can be prevented through affordable access to care, early screening, and healthy lifestyle choices,” he said.
Ndlovu encouraged Zimbabweans to embrace regular exercise, noting that cycling strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Beyond fitness, he added, cycling offers environmental benefits as a safer and more sustainable mode of transport, stressing the need for Harare City Council to invest in cyclist-friendly infrastructure.
