The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has cancelled this year`s edition of the annual NRZ Rail-Trail Charity Half Marathon due to the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.
The marathon is part of NRZ’s Corporate Social Responsibility Investment (CSRI) programme and was set to be held on November 4 this year.
The NRZ Rail-Trail Charity Half Marathon, which was launched in 2018 also commemorates the arrival of the first train in Bulawayo on November 4, 1897.
But the railway company was forced to cancel this year’s edition after the suspension of all sporting activities caused by a rise in Covid-19 cases.
In a statement, NRZ’s Public Relations Manager, Nyasha Maravanyika, confirmed the company had to comply with the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) decision to suspend sporting activities.
“The decision to cancel the event follows the suspension of all sporting activities in the country by the SRC in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. After consultations with relevant sporting bodies, the NRZ realizes that even if sporting activities are to be allowed to resume by the SRC, there is not enough time between now and the marathon day to plan for a successful event this year,” he said.
Maravanyika added that their partners had also been adversely affected by the global pandemic but assured sports enthusiasts and other stakeholders that the event would be back next year.
“The NRZ is also cognisant of the fact that partners who have supported the marathon since its inauguration might not be able to fully participate in the run as they have also faced the debilitating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Maravanyika said.
The Rail-Trail Charity Half Marathon which has four categories has in the past attracted top-class runners from all over the country.
These include – the flagship 21km race, 10km, five kilometres and a five-kilometre walk which are open to all including children and wheelchair athletes.
