BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – The inaugural Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon has been a resounding success after the streets of Bulawayo were transformed into a vibrant tapestry of unity and athletic prowess on Sunday. The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) through the Department of Sports Science and Coaching in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and in partnership with the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Legacy Restoration Trust, have since 2025 been planning the legacy event in honour of the late “Father Zimbabwe” and his call for peace, whose legacy of peace and national cohesion remains a cornerstone of the Zimbabwean identity.
A Race of International Standards
Setting a new benchmark for local athletics, the marathon route was recently certified by World Athletics, making it an official qualifier for prestigious international races such as the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon.
The course, which started and finished at the NUST campus, was designed to be both competitive and historical. Runners passed several landmarks deeply connected to Dr. Nkomo’s life, including: the Ekusileni Hospital, The Joshua Nkomo Museum, the Joshua Nkomo Statue in the Central Business District among other key historic spots in the city.
“This is a marathon with a purpose,” noted Watson Madanyika, Chairperson of the Bulawayo Athletics Board. “It is about bringing people together, promoting fitness, and honoring a legacy that continues to guide us as a nation.”
Unity Through Sport
The event featured five distinct categories, ensuring inclusivity for all fitness levels:
1. 42.2km Full Marathon (The premier qualifying event)
2. 21.1km Half Marathon
3. 18km Differently Abled Race
4. 10km Road Race
5. 5km Fun Run
Lead Race Coordinator Talent Ncube emphasized that the event was aimed at more than just physical endurance.
"The Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon is about running toward unity, hope, and a shared national vision. At a time when youth face challenges like substance abuse, sport offers a platform for renewal and discipline."
A Legacy Restored
The partnership between NUST and the Legacy Trust signifies a move toward "Heritage-Based Education," blending academic excellence with national history. Kwanele Hlabangana, Chairperson of the Trust, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the global standard of the event.
"We were deliberate in taking the time to get the route right. This enhances our ability to attract elite athletes and ensures that Father Zimbabwe's values of peace and resilience are woven into the future of our nation," Hlabangana stated.
As the sun set on the NUST grounds, the atmosphere was one of triumph. While the elite athletes walked away with significant prize money and qualifying times, the community walked away with a renewed sense of pride and a shared commitment to the "Peace and Unity" that Dr. Nkomo championed throughout his life.
Organizers have already confirmed that the marathon will become an annual fixture on the Zimbabwean sporting calendar, promising an even larger field of international competitors in 2027.
Click Here to see photos of the Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon.
