By 
By Ross Moyo
Zimbabwe’s tourism was showcased by the recent successful hosting of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon which kicked off with 5200 participants from over 40 countries at the weekend.
Sports tourism was at the center of attraction in the Southern African country’s premier resort town which roared to life on Sunday with more than 5 000 athletes from over 40 countries including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, neighboring South Africa, Kenya which boasts of the world’s elite marathoners competing in the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, one of Africa’s most prestigious long-distance races.
Indeed as anticipated it was Kenya the most dominant country in marathon competitions which won coming out 5th place in the overall women’s 42km for runners aged 40-49 with their long distance expert Rosina Kiboina who took the female veterans’ complete marathon in 2 hours, 57 minutes and 6 seconds.
The Kenyan long distance winner praised the event, “You can feel the energy of the Falls and the people pushing you forward,”
Going strong in its 18th year, the internationally certified event featured a total prize pool of US$50 000 and attracted elite runners from around the world.
“We’re proud to support a sporting event that promotes wellness and brings global attention to our country’s beauty and warm hospitality,” Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s Group CEO Dr Douglas Mboweni was quoted in the media.
Previous champions and elite Zimbabwean runners that include Olympian Isaac Mpofu, Moses Tarakinyu, Ethel Pangiso, Tendai Zimuto and Blessing Waison also participated.
US$50 000 in prize money was awarded to the top 10 finishers in the full marathon and half marathon (both male and female), as well as in the Wheelchair and Hand-Cycle categories.
Races started at Baobab Primary School in the city and included a crossing of the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, with scenic routes that trace the Zambezi River, offering breathtaking views and encounters with local wildlife amid the scenic terrain.
Parks and Wildlife Management Authority implemented safety measures including on-site medical teams, mobile ambulances, hydration stations, route marshals, digital timing chips, runner tracking and security patrols for effective crowd management.
“The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon is a model for international sporting excellence under-girded by close collaboration among the organizers, sponsors and the local community – including the town council,” an Econet spokesperson was quoted.
The inaugural Econet Victoria Falls Marathon began in 2006 before the resort town even attained city Status in 2020 always held against the backdrop of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
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