By Donald Dube
ZNFPC participated at the Parliament of Zimbabwe – Charity Half Marathon on 24th May 2026. The Marathon started and finished at the New Parliament building in Mt Hampden. Purpose of the charity marathon run was to generate resources to support Old People’s Homes in the Midlands province. The races were categorized as 3km, 5km, 10km and 21km being the half-marathon for runners and wheel chair participants. Policy Makers, stakeholders, corporates and individuals participated in the run filled with joy and fun fare. ZNFPC provided five (5) athletes from the staff members to participate in the marathon run event. The run was graced by the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda as the Guest of Honour.
ZNFPC participated and partnered with other stakeholders in supporting the ‘Parliament of Zimbabwe – Charity Half Marathon’. The organization set-up an exhibition booth at the Parliament of Zimbabwe for brand visibility, service provision and networking interactions. The exhibition team and athletes appreciated the process of hosting a marathon run. Participating in and exhibiting at a marathon is centered on a multi-dimensional experience that blends physical endurance with social connection and brand engagement. Modern marathons are no longer just races, they are large-scale community festivals where participants seek personal growth and brands seek direct interaction with a highly motivated audience.
Guest of Honour, Advocate Jacob Mudenda (Yellow track-suit) addresses athletes after the marathon run
Addressing the athletes at the event, the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda said, “The Parliament of Zimbabwe Charity Half Marathon is an annual philanthropic sports event hosted to raise funds for the country’s underprivileged groups. Proceeds from the event go toward vulnerable communities, complementing legislative charity initiatives for various groups and this year’s resources will be channeled to Old Peoples’ Homes in the Midlands province.” Participants engaged in various activities including the half marathon, a fun run, Zumba sessions and a musical performance by Sulumani Chimbetu.
ZNFPC athletes enjoyed the marathon while mixing and mingling with others. Firstly, the team collected race packs a day before the run and the pack included a T-shirt, meal ticket, race number and timing chip. The runners departed in batches starting with the 21km athletes departing at 0630 hours, followed by 10 km, 5km and 3km runners. During the run athletes were supported by corporate-sponsored water and hydration points along the route. Upon return, athletes were presented with participation medals and they joined the queue for a meal and refreshments. Some athletes visited the massage beds for muscle relaxation. Athletes were invited for a Zumba dance to relax their muscles. Some athletes and stakeholders visited exhibition booths for products and services. Outstanding athletes were presented with gifts by Guest of Honour. After all proceedings, music was provided to conclude a sporting event for a charity cause aimed at supporting Old Peoples’ homes.
ZNFPC staff participated at the Charity Half Marathon