Old Mutual Vumba Mountain Marathon

This is an annual event held traditionally at the end of October in the Vumba Mountains. It’s hosted by Old Mutual and offers 5 km,10 km and 21 km runs.
 
The 21 Km run is a wonderful mountain run for those willing and able! It’s incredible every year just how many people take on this beautiful uphill challenge. But the 10km and 5 km runs allow many others to participate running in the beautiful Vumba surrounds 
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-timer, you have a place at the starting line. But numbers are limited, so make sure to register as soon as the bookings are open.
 

Last year’s event

2024’s event was held on a Sunday for the first time and runners from the region and all over Zimbabwe participated. Exceptional athletic talent was showcased but the run also reinforced the importance of community engagement and environmental preservation.
Isiah Mashinya, Old Mutual Group Chief Customer Experience and Operating Officer in his prize presentation speech said “The success of this race is evident with the quality of athletes it is now attracting as we now have Mozambicans, Kenyans and some from Botswana.
 
Congratulations to each and every one of the participants of this event. Your energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to health and wellness are truly inspiring. It is uplifting to see how the Vumba Marathon is becoming a meeting point for runners from diverse backgrounds. 
 
The Vumba Marathon’s significance goes beyond just being a race as it embodies our brand promise to unify our communities and create a better future for all.”

“The marathon aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing its multifaceted impact on health and the environment. Proceeds from the mountain run goes towards the preservation of the flora and fauna of Vumba. Our partnership with the Friends of the Vumba Trust, an Environment protection community, has flourished for over 11 years, a testament to our belief in collaborations that have a multiplier effect. Together, we are making strides not only in promoting physical fitness but also in unifying our communities around a shared purpose,” added Mashinya.

 The 11th edition of the Old Mutual Half Marathon has come and gone but the re-elected National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) president Tendayi Tagara was present on Sunday at the annual long distance race where there more than 1 500 athletes that competed in different categories.  Togara could not resist praising the strenuous mountain run as one of the elite races in the country, which now has the capacity to attract athletes from different countries in the region.

“In the next four years, we are looking at the growth of the organization. We want to retain all our sponsors. For example, Old Mutual Vumba Marathon is one of our elite races that we want to keep on our calendar for a long time to come.”

Isaac Tarakinyu and Olivia Chidzivo won the Old Mutual Vumba half marathon in 2024.

BLACK Rhinos’ long-distance runner Moses Tarakinyu and his female counterpart Fortunate Chidzivo are this year’s Old Mutual Vumba half marathon winners. 

Tarakinyu completed the 21km race in 1 hour, 9 minutes 15 seconds. In second position was Kenyan Isaac Langcet, who crossed the finish line in 1 hour 9 minutes 52 seconds while last year’s winner Blessing Waison was third in 1 hour, 11 minutes 36 seconds. 

Chidzivo won the ladies race in 1 hour 26 minutes 23 seconds and Caroline Mhandu came second with a time of 1 hour 29 minutes 27 seconds, while Phillipa Dube was third in 1 hour 30 minutes 11 seconds