Kings Half Marathon confirms Busters venue and 6am start time

Bulawayo’s inaugural Kings Half Marathon will take place at Busters Sports Club on October 31, with the race scheduled to begin at 6am. The event will introduce a new road-running fixture to the city’s sporting calendar.

The half marathon is expected to draw elite competitors, recreational runners, fitness enthusiasts, social running clubs and corporate teams from around Zimbabwe. Individuals seeking to measure their endurance over the half-marathon distance are also being encouraged to enter.

Busters Sports Club was chosen because it is accessible and has enough room for runners and spectators. Organisers say preparations are progressing, while the early start is intended to provide suitable running conditions for participants.

The race is sponsored by Flash Beverages’ Bux Energy Drink and Budget Cash & Carry Wholesale. It was launched earlier this month as part of an effort to promote healthy living, participation in sport and interaction within the Bulawayo community.

The Bulawayo Athletics Board has placed the event on the athletics calendar, and invitations have been sent to athletes and clubs. Organisers want the race to develop into an annual fixture that attracts sustained interest from the running community and corporate sector.

Beyond the competition, the event is intended to highlight Bulawayo’s sporting heritage and support local businesses. Visitors linked to the race are expected to use accommodation, transport and retail services, while organisers see the meeting as a possible contribution to the city’s sport and wellness tourism profile.