Over 400 athletes turned up for the Chivero Rhino Run last Sunday, compared to about 300 in the previous year.
The Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) joined hands with the private sector to host the 4th edition of the Chivero Rhino Run; an annual event which seeks to raise awareness and support for rhino conservation.
The Sports and Recreation Commission provided invaluable technical support through its affiliate bodies, while the main sponsors were Proton Bakers, Nedbank and ZB Bank.
Three race categories included the 5km, 10km and 21km races where Tawanda Bvunzawabaya walked away with first place in the men’s 21km race.
Isaac Lingard came in second ahead of Prosper Murwira at third place. Caroline Mhandu won the women’s 21km race followed by Miriam Sibanda and Patricia Chikambura in second and third respectively.
The run was held on the southern side of Lake Chivero Recreational Park where runners were charmed by the beautiful scenery and assortment of wildlife including white rhinos, wildebeest and zebra among others.
The feedback after the event was very positive, with many athletes coming to the southern side of Lake Chivero for the first time.
Caroline Mhandu said, “The race was good and I was so excited to see different animals while running.”
- Top long-distance runners take part in Chivero Rhino Run
- Great turnout for the Chivero Rhino Run
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Bvunzawabaya however, admitted that he struggled with the trail run as he is more
accustomed to road runs with paved and more even surfaces.
“I was not expecting to finish in that time because I was running in a dusty road and it was not easy, but I managed to make it,” he said.
Indeed, trail runs like the Chivero Rhino Run may require a different skill set, and may be more taxing than road runs.
They require a bit more adaptation as the uneven trails mean one cannot repeat the same stride over and over; to succeed, the stride must change as the terrain changes.
On the other hand, one can enjoy a softer surface, with less impact on the body, all the health benefits of being in nature and great opportunities to take epic photos.
Now that this year’s 4th edition has come and gone, plans are already kicking into gear for 2025.
Zimparks intends to make it bigger and better, all in support of rhino conservation.
