Postponed Event to Highlight Independence and Adventure
Runners who were expecting to line up at Mtarazi Falls yesterday morning are instead preparing for a new date, as organizers have shifted the Albun Mutarazi Ultra Marathon to May 2. This decision was made to accommodate Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa and across Honde Valley.
Race director Alois Bunjira confirmed the change, encouraging athletes to look forward to an exciting event early next month. “Independence comes first. We moved the race so the valley can host the nation fully, then host the world,” Bunjira told Standardsport.
The announcement comes as entries remain open, with organizers warning that “slots for the Mutarazi Falls Ultra Marathon are fast running out.” The event is part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to build a $10 billion tourism economy by 2030, with Honde Valley emerging as one of the country’s fastest-growing destinations.
Yesterday, instead of the usual 62km, 31km relay, 10km run, and 5km walk, the valley hosted official Independence activities. Tourism operators believe the delay will allow visitors to experience both the national celebrations and the race within a two-week window.
“The marathon’s course showcases key attractions: Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe’s highest and Africa’s second highest waterfall, the country’s ‘most adventurous’ zipline, and the only Skywalk,” Bunjira added. “Nearby Nyanga district holds Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe’s highest peak.”
Bunjira and his team are promoting post-race tours on the new May 2 weekend to several locations, including Nyawamba Dam, Eastern Highlands, and Katiyo Tea Estates, the Pungwe River Gorge, and Aberfoyle Bird Forest, which they claim holds the world’s highest number of different bird species.
Lodging partners include Aberfoyle Lodge, Valley Lodges, Pagotwe Lodge, Platinum Lodges, Palm Lodges, and Betternia Lodges.
Local officials highlight the valley’s natural beauty, citing its 10 perennial rivers, six major waterfalls, Mahwemasimike rock formations, natural hot springs, and year-round fruit as major drawcards. They also mention that seven of Zimbabwe’s top 10 waterfalls are in Honde Valley, including the Pungwe River.
The postponed event will still conclude with an evening function at Valley Lodges after scheduled trips to Mtarazi Falls and Mount Nyangani.
A separate event, the Netone Albun Honde Valley Marathon, remains set for November 21 with a different distance, terrain, and format, organizers said.
Registration for the May 2 Mutarazi Falls Ultra Marathon continues online and at designated Valley outlets but closes on April 28.
