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With athletes from as far away as Finland and Ethiopia (over 30 nationalities!) , and a total of close to 750 runners in all three events, the Victoria Falls Marathon 2011, held in the capital of Zimbabwe's tourism on 28th August , was an amazing race.
Sponsored by Econet (Full Marathon), Zambezi Lite Lager (Half Marathon) and many other sponsors from Zimbabwes' top companies, this event was, in the words of one competitor "the best race I have ever done …anywhere". The route itself is unique, crossing the historic iron bridge in the spray of the Falls into Zambia, running alongside the mighty Zambezi River and into the National Park, and then through the high density suburbs - "taking the race to the people" - and of course this is all within a UNESCO World Heritage site !!! Where else can you run where, as well as your rhythm, hydration, aches and pains etc, you have to contend with fresh elephant spoor on your path, and warthog, impala and kudu too?
From an athletes point of view, having some top Tanzanian & Kenyan runners down to push the pace was great, although times were not as good as last year - once again, Zimbabwe won top honours. Social runners, who made up the bulk of the pack, had a great time - good weather, festive and helpful waterpoints, a bit of 'game viewing' en route, all were highlights. Our disabled field also showed courage and immense stamina, and were an inspiration to all.
The addition of the Zambezi Man participants into the field , who had just completed a 50 km white water rafting expedition and 100 km MTB race prior to the event provided even more excitement at the finish, these hardy individuals had proven themselves true adventure addicts.
For many, after an event, it's a bit of an anti-climax - NOT in the Falls, where many enjoyed an evening sunset cruise on the Zambezi (complete with elephants, hippo, crocs etc and of course sundowners and sumptuous snacks) and the now famous "after party", where 60's rock and roll on the banks of the river, cold Zambezi's and a great atmosphere completed a fantastic event.
The future of this event is set for rapid growth, and the town can certainly handle it, as can the organizers. Vic Falls, Zimbabwe, has a wide range of accommodation options as well as great infrastructure, and a host of adventure activities, such as rafting, elephant back safaris etc . and is arguably one of the most "runner friendly" places in Africa. The organizers and sponsors, also want to drive the Charity element of this - already we are involved with donating wheelchairs in the community, anti-poaching , education etc . This is one area where we can do more, and use Sports Tourism to benefit the community and the country as a whole.
Next year, watch out for bigger prizes, more runners, a more scenic route, more waterpoints, and even MORE FUN!!
And watch out for a 26 minute insert on Super Sport next month, Central Africa transmission times below.
| SCHDATE |
STTIME |
ENTIME |
CHA_SHORT_NAME |
LIVEINFO |
| 10-Oct-11 |
20:00 |
20:30 |
SS5 |
Premier |
| 10-Oct-11 |
20:00 |
20:30 |
SS5A |
Premier |
| 10-Oct-11 |
20:00 |
20:30 |
SS5N |
Premier |
| 11-Oct-11 |
16:30 |
17:00 |
SS6 |
Repeat |
| 11-Oct-11 |
16:30 |
17:00 |
SS6A |
Repeat |
| 12-Oct-11 |
11:00 |
11:30 |
SS5 |
Repeat |
| 12-Oct-11 |
11:00 |
11:30 |
SS5A |
Repeat |
| 12-Oct-11 |
11:00 |
11:30 |
SS5N |
Repeat |
| 16-Oct-11 |
10:00 |
10:30 |
SS7N |
Repeat |
| 16-Oct-11 |
10:00 |
10:30 |
SS7 |
Repeat |
| 17-Oct-11 |
21:30 |
22:00 |
SS5A |
Repeat |
| 17-Oct-11 |
21:30 |
22:00 |
SS5N |
Repeat |
| 17-Oct-11 |
21:30 |
22:00 |
SS5 |
Repeat |
| 18-Oct-11 |
19:00 |
19:30 |
SS5N |
Repeat |
| 18-Oct-11 |
19:00 |
19:30 |
SS5 |
Repeat |
| 18-Oct-11 |
19:00 |
19:30 |
SS5A |
Repeat |
| 19-Oct-11 |
09:30 |
10:00 |
SS6A |
Repeat |
| 19-Oct-11 |
09:30 |
10:00 |
SS6 |
Repeat |
| 20-Oct-11 |
17:30 |
18:00 |
SS5A |
Repeat |
| 20-Oct-11 |
17:30 |
18:00 |
SS5N |
Repeat |
| 20-Oct-11 |
17:30 |
18:00 |
SS5 |
Repeat |
Best regards,
Victoria Falls Marathon Team
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The Race Organisers would like to thank the following sponsors for their involvement
with the Victoria Falls 2011 Marathon / Half Marathon and Fun Run
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