Athletics

Zimbabwe: Well being Suggestions, Music At Tuku Half Marathon

Organisers of the 2025 Oliver Mtukudzi Half Marathon have described this yr’s version as a convincing success.

The occasion, which befell at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton final Sunday, turned out to be a celebration of music, aerobics, and athletics.

It was spiced up by a well being expo, the place the main target was primarily on diabetes consciousness.

The occasion was held in reminiscence of the late crooner Tuku, who died on the age of 66 on January 23, 2019.

He was declared a nationwide hero and was buried at his Madziwa homestead in Mashonaland Central Province.

A sequence of festivities to mark his legacy normally takes place in January, with the marathon race being one of many occasions.

Marathon director Sylvia Sanyanga, who had a busy day within the workplace final Sunday, stated they surpassed final yr’s variety of runners.

Final yr they recorded 500 runners.

“The occasion was successful as a result of this time round we had 546 members participating within the occasion. We celebrated the legacy of Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi in model, and we had been impressed by the keenness proven by our runners.

“It was a marvel to observe as most runners, who got here early and late, loved good music from numerous artistes,” she stated.

Sanyanga praised John Cole for the distinctive job performed with the Zumba class.

“This yr’s version was one thing else as a result of after the races, there have been Zumba periods that made the occasion distinctive.

“We even talked in regards to the energy of collaborations afterward. The well being expo additionally contributed to the occasion’s success,” she stated.

After this yr’s version, Sanyanga stated the eye was now on placing collectively a singular Oliver Mtukudzi Worldwide Competition of the Arts (OMIFA).

“We’re going to construct on the success of the lately concluded occasion to start out getting ready for OMIFA 2025. Tuku left behind a legacy well-lived, and it’s our hope to place collectively a greater competition.

“Taking inventory of final Sunday’s occasion, it was certainly successful,” stated Sanyanga.

She added, “on that word, I wish to thank our chairperson, Ms. Tendayi Hlupo, who supplied invaluable steerage and help. She was capable of convey on board nice sponsors akin to Zim Cyber Metropolis, which supplied prizes for athletes and spot prizes for individuals who attended.”

The Oliver Mtukudzi Half Marathon, which introduced Norton to a standstill, was greater than only a sporting occasion — it was a heartfelt tribute to the late nationwide hero by means of music. After the races, followers had been handled to a soul-stirring live performance that includes a few of Zimbabwe’s most interesting musicians, all paying homage to Tuku’s enduring legacy.

Upcoming crooner Benard Betera delivered an imposing act, opening his efficiency with “Chipembenene,” simply capturing the hearts of many. With a voice and stage presence eerily harking back to Tuku himself, Betera transported the viewers again in time, evoking recollections of the legend’s timeless performances.

He threw followers right into a frenzy as he belted out “Tozeza Baba,” exuding confidence.

He shifted gears up with the renditions of “Neria” and “Chengetai Mai naBaba,” which left followers in awe.

Tuku’s Black Spirits band additionally took to the stage, delivering a spirited set of the departed icon’s classics.

On lead vocals was Watson Chidzomba Junior, who has developed from his earlier position as a drummer to a assured and commanding frontman.

Samantha Mtukudzi, carrying ahead her father’s legacy, additionally carried out with the Black Spirits, including an emotional contact to the tribute.