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By Gilbert Munetsi
More than 400 runners last Saturday took part in the second edition of the Lake Chivero Rhino Trail Run which was organised by Sports Tourism Incorporated in partnership with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
The runners partook in 5km, 10km and 21km stretches, with the annual event attracting volunteers from as far afield as Chinhoyi, Hwange, Kadoma, Bulawayo, Dubai and the United States of America.
New York resident Edward Mendy said he had an “awesome” experience, and would not have second thoughts attending the next edition of the run.
An almost extinct species whose global population is diminishing at an alarming rate, the white rhino has a reserve at Lake Chivero – among other parks dotted around Zimbabwe – where it is rehabilitated.
The recently held run came on the heels of another race, The Victoria Falls Experience, and will be succeeded by yet another in Kariba before the end of the year.
Sports Tourism Incorporated administrator Florence Matake said apart from promoting knowledge, protection and conservation around the white rhino, the initiative also contributed towards local tourism and the creation of job opportunities.
“In this run we have reached far and wide and we are encouraged by the way we are impacting on lives.
“Recently, we hosted a race in Victoria Falls which was lowly priced to attract domestic tourism.
“And interestingly, one of the highlights was a 73-year old runner who participated in the 21km half marathon and clocked his best time,” she said.
Locals grabbed the opportunity to market their handicrafts and other wares while participating visitors had the chance to see the falls, embark on boat cruises, bunjee jumps, helicopter rides and other activities.
“We are now in the process of finalising the Kariba Experience which will have more water activities than land,” Matake said. Nhau/Indaba
