The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) will host the inaugural Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon on 26 April 2026.
Coordinated through NUST’s Department of Sports Science and Coaching, in partnership with the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project Trust, the legacy event is attracting thousands of runners from different parts of the continent of Africa.
Held in honour of the late national icon Joshua Mqabuko, Nyongolo Nkomo, affectionately known as Father Zimbabwe, the marathon is both a tribute to his enduring legacy and a landmark sporting event that now meets internationally recognised standards.
A Globally Recognised Route
In a major milestone for the event, the marathon route was officially measured and certified by Aaron “Coach White” White, a Grade C Certified World Athletics Route Measurer late last year. The certification elevates the race to global standards, enabling athletes to use their finishing times to qualify for prestigious international races such as the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon.
Coach White described the route as one of the most scenic he has measured,
“We mapped a course that highlights key landmarks across the city of Bulawayo, reflecting the importance of this race and the legacy of our great leader Joshua Nkomo. To be honest, it is one of the most beautiful routes I have ever measured. It is an honour to have been part of this process, which means so much to the organisers, Zimbabwe, and Africa at large.”
The certified route underscores the marathon’s commitment to excellence, safety, and international competitiveness.
Promoting Peace, Unity and Heritage
Running under the theme “Make History With Every Step”, the Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon is more than a sporting competition. It is a platform for promoting peace, unity, and the preservation of national heritage in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
Chairperson of the Trust, Kwanele Hlabangana, emphasised the significance of finalising a globally compliant route:
“Finalising our route for the Joshua Mqabuko Peace Marathon was a critical step in ensuring our event meets worldwide standards. This enhances our ability to attract elite athletes from the region and abroad. We were deliberate in taking the time to get it right.”
A Race for All
Lead Race Coordinator Talent Ncube has encouraged runners of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in what promises to be a fast, safe, and memorable experience.
“This is your opportunity to secure qualifying times right here at home. There is no need to travel abroad to earn your place on global stages, your journey can begin here. The route is safe, competitive, and designed to deliver an unforgettable race experience.”
The marathon caters to athletes of all levels, offering five race categories at $15 per participant:
- 5km Fun Run
- 10km Road Race
- 18km Differently Abled Race
- 21.1km Half Marathon
- 42.2km Full Marathon
Registration and Enquiries
Registration is open at:
🔗 https://bit.ly/Joshuankomopeacemarathon
For further information on training programmes tailored towards Comrades qualification, assistance with race category selection, or general enquiries, contact the organisers:
📞 +263 77 897 6040 / +263 77 229 5476
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The Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon stands poised to become one of Zimbabwe’s premier road-running events, blending sporting excellence with a powerful message of unity and remembrance. Already runners from South Africa, Ghana and Kenya among other countries have registered or shown interest in participating, one of the organisers revealed.
