By Fanuel Chinowaita
HONDE VALLEY – The NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon roared to life on Saturday, 22 November 2025, attracting more than 1 800 athletes in an exhilarating showcase of endurance, national pride and the growing power of sports tourism in Zimbabwe.
NetOne Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani hailed the marathon as a monumental moment for Honde Valley, Manicaland Province and the nation at large. He described the race as “not just run, but lived, conquered and etched into the hearts of everyone who took part.”
Mushanawani praised the athletes for their grit as they battled steep climbs, winding slopes and the rugged terrain of the Eastern Highlands.
“Our participants showed courage woven across the hills and valleys of Wonder Valley,” he said. “The mountains tested strength, the valleys challenged rhythm, and the cool breezes renewed determination. The scenery reminded us all of Zimbabwe’s unique beauty.”
He attributed the success of the event to President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s visionary leadership under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), noting that national development pillars—health, tourism, productivity and community empowerment—were visibly reflected through the marathon.
“As NetOne, we are proud to give back to the communities we serve. A healthy community is a productive community, and the unity and resilience we witnessed today speak to the nation we are building,” added Mushanawani.
Guest of honour, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, applauded the record turnout and reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the marathon annually.
She highlighted the strong momentum within the tourism sector, fueled by global breakthroughs that have boosted Zimbabwe’s visibility. These include:
Zimbabwe’s International Recognition for Gastronomy Tourism under UN Tourism—led by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa,
The viral 17-million-view Top Gear feature in which Jeremy Clarkson described Zimbabwe, particularly Honde Valley, as “the most beautiful country on earth,” and
Zimbabwe’s designation as Forbes’ Number One Destination for 2025.
“These endorsements show why events like the Honde Valley Marathon are critical in sustaining global attention,” Rwodzi said.
She emphasized that the marathon aligns with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the Whole-of-Government Approach, positioning sports tourism as a driver of rural development, inclusive economic growth and community empowerment.
The race also spotlighted Honde Valley’s majestic landscapes while supporting ongoing development initiatives such as expanding accommodation facilities in Hauna and strengthening rural tourism, ensuring that local communities benefit from increasing tourist arrivals.
The event drew high-level support, including the Minister of Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon. Advocate Misheck Mugadza, NetOne management and board members, Albun leadership, Chief Mutasa, senior government officials, athletes and invited guests.
As the sun set over the lush Honde Valley, the marathon stood as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and Zimbabwe’s rising profile on the world tourism map.