THE Honde Valley Marathon will go ahead despite the withdrawal of long-time sponsor NetOne, with organisers saying a growing network of corporate partners has given them confidence the race can continue building its profile as a major sports tourism event.
Organiser and former Warriors footballer Alois Bunjira confirmed at the official launch that NetOne had pulled out of this year’s edition following a change in its corporate priorities.
“We received communication from NetOne, our sponsor and partner, that they will not be participating in this year’s marathon due to a realignment of their corporate strategy for 2026,” Bunjira said.
“We want to assure all our corporate partners, runners, the athletics board and everybody involved that we are going ahead with the marathon.
“Together with our existing and emerging partners, we are very much looking forward to having this marathon grow to dizzy heights.”
Rather than dwelling on the loss of a major sponsor, Bunjira acknowledged NetOne’s contribution towards establishing the event.
“We appreciate the partnership we have had with NetOne. We have managed to grow a marathon brand that is now a bigger brand in athletics in Zimbabwe and we have created a foundation for tourism in the Eastern Highlands,” he said.
Registration for the race opened several weeks ago, but Bunjira said the official launch marked the beginning of the final build-up.
“We are on the starting line waiting for the gun, and this is the gun now that says, let’s go,” he said.
The marathon has grown beyond running, with organisers increasingly positioning it as a platform to draw visitors and businesses to Honde Valley.
Bunjira said the course had been certified by World Athletics and could be used by athletes seeking qualifying performances for international races.
“We want people to come and experience the terrain of Honde Valley. It is the most beautiful marathon in the country,” he said.
The organisers are also using the event to market attractions around the Eastern Highlands, including Mutarazi Falls, Buwu River Gorge, tea estates, rivers and forests.
The Nyaradzo camping village will return following its introduction last year, providing accommodation for visitors attending the marathon weekend.
Bunjira said camping will cost US$50 per person for the weekend, while a tent accommodating two people will cost US$100. The camping village will have bathrooms with hot water, solar lighting and entertainment.
Corporate partners remaining behind the event include First Mutual Microfinance, Tendo, Viego and William Scott & Co.
First Mutual Microfinance operations manager Ronald Phiri said his organisation had been involved with the marathon from its early stages and saw the partnership as extending beyond sponsorship.
“This is in fact the very first partner that came on board when we started, and we are proud to still be in the race,” Phiri said.
“This is an initiative that goes beyond money.”
First Mutual Microfinance also operates in the Honde Valley community, providing financing to farmers involved in the banana value chain as well as business, SME and salary based loans.
Phiri said the marathon could help connect sport with economic activity, environmental awareness and tourism.
“The natural beauty that makes Honde Valley attractive to visitors is also an economic asset. Protecting the environment is therefore not simply an environmental responsibility, it is an investment in the future of the community,” he said.
Technology company Tendo, which is marking 30 years in business, will provide inverters as prizes for outstanding athletes in the 42km and 21km races and other selected categories.
Customer services consultant Nyasha Nyamudya said the company would also operate a water point along the course.
Official kit designer Viego, meanwhile, has redesigned the 2026 race apparel around the identity of the Eastern Highlands.
A company representative said the kit draws inspiration from Mutarazi Falls, Honde Valley’s landscape and Zimbabwean identity as the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary.
William Scott & Co sales consultant Makaita Makoni said the company had seen greater brand recognition in Honde Valley since joining the marathon last year.
“This is not just a race. It is a platform for sports tourism, healthy lifestyle and economic empowerment for the Honde Valley community and Zimbabwe at large,” Makoni said.
The company will also sponsor a prize for the best exhibition stand at a business showcase being staged alongside the marathon.
Entertainment will follow the race, with Nox Guni, Jah Signal and South Africa based Black Diva among the musicians confirmed for the post-marathon concert. Organisers are also negotiating with another artist.
For Bunjira, the withdrawal of NetOne presents an early test of whether the event can sustain itself beyond reliance on one major sponsor.
With registration underway and several partners remaining on board, the organisers insist the race will not lose its stride.
“We are going ahead with the marathon,” Bunjira said.
