Victoria Falls to host UN Tourism events

 ZIMBABWE is fully prepared to host two major UN Tourism high-level events set for this month, with a visiting delegation from the organisation’s Madrid headquarters expressing satisfaction with the country’s state of readiness.

The events include the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) Meeting and the Second UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa and will be held in Victoria Falls from 27 April to 1 May 2026.

This was revealed during a Press conference on Thursday in Victoria Falls, following a Preliminary Assessment Mission by UN Tourism officials who have been in the country from 1 to 3 April 2026 to evaluate preparedness.

The mission was led by UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa, Ms Elcia Grandcourt, accompanied by Senior Project Specialist Ms Rachel Monnier.

Speaking at the Press conference, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, said the assessment mission had been both productive and encouraging.

“On behalf of the ministry, I am pleased to report that, throughout the Preliminary Mission, the visiting delegation expressed satisfaction with our level of preparedness.

“Their positive assessment is a testament to the hard work, coordination and commitment demonstrated by our teams across Government and the private sector,” she said.

“Whilst we are encouraged by this positive feedback, we remain committed to further strengthening our preparations in the lead-up to 27 April 2026. Our goal is not only to meet expectations but to exceed them, showcasing Zimbabwe as a premier destination for tourism events in the region,” said Dr Munyanyiwa.

Source: Zimbabwe ready to host UN Tourism events, visiting delegation hails First Lady’s tourism patronage (03/04/2026)

Victoria Falls Marathon goes virtual

NATIONAL Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) has commended organisers of the annual Victoria Falls Marathon for their decision to hold the race virtually this year, a move likely to attract more participants from around the globe.

Organisers first moved the premier event from July to December due to outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The marathon draws international participants and traditionally takes place in the first week of July, but it will now take place on December 13.

Tendai Tagara, Naaz president, said it was pleasing to note that organisers of the race have made contingency plans that will help athletes prepare for the competition.

Virtual marathons seem to have gained popularity during the Covid-19 lockdown.

“Obviously we are excited as custodians of athletics that we will have the competition in December.

“Athletes can start preparing for the race and the good thing is that through virtual racing, you get to have more participants from accross the globe, which makes it fun.

“Already, we had the Old Mutual virtual marathon a couple of months back and this is now the trend worldwide. It’s also good to note that local marathon runners have embraced virtual racing,” said Tagara.

In a statement yesterday organisers of the Victoria Falls marathon said they would be bringing an exciting, but different event this year through the virtual marathon.

In a virtual marathon, athletes register and pay the requisite amount for their preferred distance then run on the set date at their own time alone and along their own chosen route.

The athletes record the finishing time and upload it on the race website and get certificates of participation which they can print out.

A virtual marathon can be held in any location one chooses and organisers of most events on the continent have gone virtual and thereby attracting larger audiences from all over the world.

This is good news for runners that have been itching for competition as they will no longer miss races since attendance is no longer determined by geographical location.

“Keep your training going and keep Sunday 13 December available as we are bringing to you an exciting virtual event. We will be ‘taking you to Vic Falls’ to run the marathon, half marathon, 10,5km relay or 7,5km fun run.

“We are working with one of the most sophisticated, interactive, virtual timing systems in the world, which offers ‘real-time’ accurate race results and tracking of your route. Whichever distance you choose, including the fun run,” read the statement from the Victoria Falls Marathon organisers.

The event will have an interactive ‘live’ tracking and distances will be timed with results provided. Prizes and giveaways are still being negotiated with the sponsors.

“You can challenge your friends, family and running clubs.” 

Source: Victoria Falls Marathon goes virtual (16/09/20)

Econet Victoria Falls Marathon Gets International Recognition

ONE of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious races, the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon is going to be a bigger, grander and internationally recognised affair this year and in 2021 after being recognised as a qualifier to the Olympic Games and the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.

The 2020 edition of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, which draws international participants, was initially scheduled to take place on July 5 at the popular tourist resort.

However due to the coronavirus pandemic which has led to cancellations and postponements of major sporting events both locally and around the world, the organisers were forced to reschedule this year’s event to 13th December.

The organisers revealed that the change of the dates of the race to December, this year’s marathon will become part of the international qualifying series for the Olympics and the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.

“It is with great delight that we can announce that due to the new date change to December, the 2020 and the 2021 Econet Vic Falls Marathon falls within the 3rd edition of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Ranking Series and is officially recognized as a qualifier to this highly acclaimed International Series,” Tim Hadzima, Executive Director of Abbott World Marathon Majors said in a statement.

“The interest and excitement around the series continues to build, and as the second edition is in full swing, we are busy working to expand into new locations for the third year. With the increase in world ranking races, we hope to give even more runners the chance to find a qualifying event within reach, and realize their dream of trying to make it to the world championships. Thank you to all our partners and race organizers who help us develop the opportunities for age group runners across the globe,” he said.

The qualifying period for the 3rd edition of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships runs from October 12 to December 31.

The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, staged around the sight of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, has become an important calendar date for marathon runners and fitness enthusiasts from around the world and for thousands of Zimbabweans.

It has also become a major draw card for local and foreign tourists.

The marathon is now in its 14th year and continues to grow, having attracted about 3 500 entries last year, with nearly half of the athletes coming from out of Zimbabwe, and some travelling from as far afield as Australia.

Besides the 42.2km full marathon, other events on offer include the 21.1km half marathon and 7.5km fun run.

The races start in Livingstone Road between the Avis garage and Zimpost car park and end at Victoria Falls Primary School.

Last year, Christopher Gondwe won the race in two hours 25 minutes and 36 seconds beating teammate Nkosiyazi Sibanda who fell short of winning a sixth title. Sibanda finished in two hours 27 minutes and three seconds, six minutes slower than his 2018’s two hours 21 minutes and eight seconds finish that won him the race.

In the females 42km category, Felistas Chitoshi was the winner after finishing in two hours 52 minutes and 31 seconds, ahead of veterans Chiyedza Chokore and Tabitha Tsatsa who romped home in two hours 58 minutes and 2 seconds and three hours six minutes and six seconds respectively.

A total of 3 518 runners from 43 countries including Zimbabwe took part last year.

Source: Econet Victoria Falls Marathon Gets International Recognition (10/06/20)