Coca-Cola and their bottling partner, Schweppes Zimbabwe limited have extended their local sports support and development initiatives by launching the Bonaqua Marathon that is set to be the biggest marathon event which will be held annually in Harare and Bulawayo.
The inaugural Bonaqua marathon which is set for April 29 and managed by the Harare Athletics Club, will have various long and short distance categories, starting with a five and ten kilometre walks that will target families and the physically challenged who enjoy fun run.
The long-distance marathon will cover a 21 km and 42 KM that will provide serious and professional athletes with a platform for training in preparatory for bigger international races.
Schweppes are working to have the marathon used as an international qualification race in the future.
“At The Coca-Cola Company, we recognize that we cannot have a healthy and growing business unless the communities we serve are healthy and sustainable.
As the number one beverage company in Zimbabwe, we have committed ourselves to improving the quality of life in the communities where we do business.
We are glad to add another baby to our portfolio of sports initiatives that we bankroll which include COPA Coca-Cola, ZITF Four Minute Mile and Triathlon,” said Coca-Cola Senior Brand Manager, Vee Chibanda.
Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited Customer Marketing Executive Diana Mubayiwa said,“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous support that Zimbabweans have given to our Bonaqua still water.
Since its launch in October 2015, Bonaqua Still Water has grown to be the most preferred water not only in Zimbabwe but in Southern Africa where it recently won the Southern African Annual product of the year award,”
“As our way of ploughing back to the community, we started sponsoring a number of sports initiatives through the Bonaqua still water.
Bonaqua is the official sponsor of annual international Bonaqua Troutbeck ATU African Triathlon Cup, it is the official water for Zimbabwe Cricket, Tiger Fishing, Super 8 Rugby tournaments and other corporate and school activities”
“Now we are extending our support to this Bonaqua Marathon which is going to be an annual event that will not only cater for athletes but will also seek to raise funds for charity as we align to our organization’s objective towards community social responsibility initiatives”
The Marathon which is scheduled for the 29th of April, 0600hours at Old Georgians has a total of$7 600.00 monetary prizes attached to it.
The first man and woman in the 42 KM marathon will walk away with US$1000.00 each, the second positions will pocket $500 each while the third positions will bank $300.00.
In the 21 KM race, the first male and female athletes will walk away with $300.00 each, second positions will get $200.00 each and the third places will take home $100.00 each.
There are also monetary prizes for veterans and masters man and woman, from first to third positions, with prizes ranching from $100.00- $300.00
In addition, there are 500 non-cash prizes for those who will participate in the fun run five and ten-kilometre races.
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