By Fanuel Chinowaita
HONDE VALLEY — A new trend is emerging in Zimbabwean athletics as top runners turn their race winnings and international exposure into thriving business ventures.
This comes as 2025 Honde Valley Marathon champion Waisoni Blessing revealed that athletics has enabled him to start and sustain his own business.
Blessing made the revelations in an interview with The Wasu Post shortly after winning the 42km Open Men’s race in an impressive 2:18:57 on Saturday.
“Through athletics I have managed to start my business. My life have changed.
“I have also travelled in Africa and Europe with athletics,” he said.
“This terrain strengthens us. It becomes easier when we run in other places with flat courses.”
The Harare-based athlete said he spends much of his training time in Honde Valley, where the mountainous terrain has become a crucial part of his preparation.
Blessing pocketed US$1 500 and other prizes for his victory — earnings he said athletes must begin directing into long-term investments.
Sports experts say Zimbabwean runners are increasingly venturing into small enterprises such as retail shops, transport services, poultry projects and event management, signalling a shift towards financial security beyond their running careers.
2025 NETONE ALBUN HONDE VALLEY MARATHON RESULTS
42 KM CATEGORY
OPEN MEN
1. Waisoni Blessing – 2:18:57
2. Zimuti Tendai – 2:21:06
3. Kobzei Patrick – 2:22:30
4. Chinyoka Jonathan – 2:25:37
5. Mujejuri Farai – 2:37:11
OPEN WOMEN
1. Philipa Dube – 3:56:55
2. Nivea Maganzo – 3:57:00
3. Amy Chirisa – 3:57:00
4. Rudo Mhonderwa – 3:58:30
5. Ntombilekile Ncube – 3:32:03
VETERANS MEN
1. Farai Mujejuri – 2:27:11
2. Peter Tumbare – 3:28:50
3. Mike Fokorani – 3:39:31
VETERANS WOMEN
1. Precious Makaza – 3:32:20
2. Monica Kativhu – 3:29:57
MASTERS MEN
1. Allen Magwere
MASTERS WOMEN
1. Mercy Dangarembwa
GRANDMASTER MEN
1. Shupi Lazarus
GRANDMASTER WOMEN
1. Stembiso Butirikawo
21 KM CATEGORY
OPEN MEN
1. Tarakinyo Moses – 1:03:58
2. Isaac – 1:04:19
3. Godwin Katakira – 1:04:29
4. Owen – 1:04:26
5. Tatenda Hove – 1:05:34
OPEN WOMEN
1. Fortunate Chidziyo – 1:17:58
2. Silvia Kwambaya – 1:19:56
3. Miriam Sibanda – 1:19:16
4. Ethel Pangiso – 1:21:39
5. Melody Chikonzi – 1:25:45