By Staff Reporter
More than a thousand athletes took part in this year’s Old Mutual Vumba Mountain Run held over the weekend, with Isaac Langaat and Fortunate Chidzivo winning the 21-kilometre men’s and women’s races respectively.
Langaat completed the race in 1 hour 10 minutes and 7 seconds, while Chidzivo crossed the line in 1 hour 24 minutes and 24 seconds.
The event drew runners from across the country and beyond, turning the usually quiet Vumba Mountains into a hive of sporting activity. Participants described the route as both scenic and demanding, with steep climbs and winding stretches through misty forests.
“The Vumba Marathon is unlike any other race in the country. It challenges your endurance while connecting you deeply with nature,” said one of the top finishers. “Running here reminds us that fitness and environmental care truly go hand in hand.”
Among the guests were the Minister of State for Manicaland Province, Misheck Mugadza, and Chief Zimunya, who attended in support of the event’s focus on health, unity, and conservation.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe Group Chief Customer and Operations Officer Isiah Mashinya said the company’s involvement went beyond sponsoring the run.
“At Old Mutual, we believe our role goes beyond being a financial services provider. We are committed to offering real, practical solutions that empower Zimbabweans from all walks of life to grow, protect and sustain their prosperity,” he said.
“The Vumba Marathon embodies the same purpose that drives us every day — to enable positive futures, create opportunities for communities to thrive, and leave a lasting impact on both the communities we serve and the planet.”
Part of the proceeds will go towards Friends of the Vumba, a local conservation group working to restore and protect the area’s ecosystem.
In other categories, Peter Tumbare won the Veterans Men’s 21 km in 1:18:17, and Precious Makaza took the women’s race in 1:45:56. Nicholas Mugomeri won the Masters Men’s category in 1:24:17, while Tabitha Tsatsa came first in the women’s race in 1:52:23. Among the Grandmasters, Nicholas Nyengerai won the men’s event in 1:37:17, and Susan Shiri topped the women’s in 2:34:40.
In the 10 km race, Andrew Dick finished first in the Open Men’s category in 36:50, and Melody Kasedze won the women’s in 44:19. The Junior Men’s title went to Nigel Murimi in 41:24, while Abigail Muriyatya won the Junior Women’s race in 55:28.
