Ubuntu Race targets bigger role in sports tourism for Victoria Falls
Jonathan Sibanda
Scheduled for May 24 as part of Africa Day celebrations, the Ubuntu Race is positioning itself as a key contributor to Victoria Falls’ expanding sports and wellness tourism sector as the event prepares for its fourth edition.
The annual marathon, which features 5km, 10km and 21km categories, has grown from a community fitness initiative into a wider platform promoting wellness, social impact, and destination marketing for the resort city.
Speaking to Matabeleland Pulse, Planning Committee Advisor and wellness coach Mabasaashe Mutukwa, popularly known as Coach Mabasa, said sporting events are playing an increasingly important role in broadening Victoria Falls’ tourism appeal beyond its traditional adventure activities.
“Sporting events like the Ubuntu Race are instrumental in diversifying Victoria Falls’ tourism portfolio,” he said.
“While the destination is renowned for adventure activities, events like ours introduce a lifestyle and wellness dimension to the experience.”
Coach Mabasa said the race continues to attract a diverse field of participants, including local runners, school teams, corporate groups, wellness advocates, and domestic and international visitors.
He added that organisers hope the race will generate economic activity for the city by increasing demand for accommodation, transport, food services, and informal trading, while encouraging visitors to extend their stay.
This year’s edition will also include awareness campaigns on gender-based violence, anti-drug initiatives, and chronic illness education, adding a social advocacy component to the sporting event.
Organisers say their long-term goal is to establish the Ubuntu Race as one of the signature annual sporting events linked to Victoria Falls, reinforcing the city’s ambitions to grow as a year-round tourism and wellness destination.
