Rainbow Tourism Group is putting the finishing touches to the inaugural Nyanga Mountain Valley Marathon and Music Festival, a new event that will combine mountain running, live music, wellness and tourism in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands on Sept. 26.
Held under the theme “Run. Breathe. Celebrate.”, the event is expected to attract both runners and visitors looking for a weekend experience in Nyanga, with award-winning musician Jah Prayzah set to headline the entertainment programme.
RTG Corporate Affairs and Quality Manager Pride Khumbula said preparations were progressing well, with organisers focused on delivering an event that matches the setting.
“Preparations for the Nyanga Mountain Valley Marathon and Music Festival are progressing well, and we are focused on ensuring that every aspect of the experience is ready for participants when they arrive,” Khumbula said.
“From the race routes and participant support to the hospitality and overall guest experience, our teams and partners are working to deliver an event that is professionally organised and worthy of Nyanga’s spectacular setting.”
The marathon will feature 3km Fun Run, 5km, 10km and 21km Half Marathon categories, giving participants with different levels of fitness an opportunity to take part.
The shorter races are also intended to accommodate families, casual runners and walkers, while the half marathon will offer a more demanding test across Nyanga’s highland terrain.
Khumbula said the event was designed to encourage visitors to experience more than the race itself.
“The Nyanga Mountain Valley Marathon and Music Festival is about creating an experience that brings people together through sport, wellness, music and tourism,” she said. “We want participants to challenge themselves against the backdrop of Nyanga’s spectacular landscapes, but also to slow down, enjoy the destination and experience everything the Eastern Highlands has to offer.”
Gateway Stream Media Manager Elton Kurima said the music component was included to extend the festival’s appeal beyond the running community.
“The idea was to build a complete weekend experience where sport and entertainment complement each other. Jah Prayzah brings a major music offer to Nyanga, while the marathon gives people another reason to travel, explore the destination and spend the weekend there,” Kurima said.
“For runners, the concert becomes an opportunity to celebrate after the race. For people who are not necessarily interested in running, the music festival provides a reason to come to Nyanga and be part of the experience.”
Jah Prayzah will headline the evening concert, supported by additional performers and DJs.
RTG also plans to establish the event as an annual fixture, with ambitions to eventually introduce a full 42km marathon and position it as a potential qualifying race for major international events.
Pacific Breeze is the title sponsor, with support from Stanbic Bank, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Musarvunda Menthol, Montclair Resort & Conference Centre, Heritage Expeditions Africa and other partners.
Concert tickets are priced at US$10 for early-bird standard and US$20 for VIP, while Phase 1 tickets cost US$15 standard and US$30 VIP.
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