MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA 

In an effort to promote cardiovascular fitness and healthy lifestyles, the country’s largest private medical aid society, health and wellness service provider, Cimas Health Group will on September 27 host the third edition of the cycling event, Pedal to W3llness at Borrowdale Office Park.

Organised through Cimas Health Group’s health and wellness division iGo, the signature cycling event is open to all cyclists including children.

This year’s edition will be held under the theme “Promoting Heart Health & Active Lifestyles” which aligns with the upcoming annual World Heart Day observed globally on September 29 to raise awareness about heart health and promote healthy lifestyles.

Speaking to journalists at the Group’s Borrowdale Office Park, offices yesterday, Cimas Health Group’s Chief Executive Officer Vuli Ndlovu, said Pedal to W3llness is part of their broader commitment under their iGo wellness programmes to inspire healthier communities.

“At Cimas Health Group, we believe in the importance of inspiring a healthier community. We host our annual Pedal to W3llness event as part of our commitment to promoting a culture of wellness in line with our purpose to inspire healthier communities.

“As we believe that a healthy nation benefits us all, through our Pedal to W3llness  event, we are not only encouraging participants to engage in physical activity, but also highlighting the critical role that cardiovascular fitness also known as cardiorespiratory fitness plays in overall health and well-being,” said Ndlovu.

The cycling event features three cycling distances, 45km, 22.5 km for adults and 4.5km for children and all participants will be timed using a modern electronic timing system integrated into their race bibs for accurate race tracking and they will receive a finishers medal.

Ndlovu said the online registration to participate at Pedal to W3llness opened last week on Wednesday, adding that the registration fee is US$10 using own bike or US$25 inclusive of bike hire, while children under the age of 13 will participate for free.

“Whether you are an experienced cyclist, a beginner, or a fitness or wellness enthusiast, we invite everyone including corporate organisations to register and take part in Pedal to W3llness which provides numerous health benefits,” Ndlovu said.

“Through Pedal to W3llness, our aim is to motivate individuals of all ages and fitness levels to integrate wellness into their everyday lives. We want everyone to embrace a healthy lifestyle.”

To ensure safety, Ndlovu said Cimas Health Group will deploy 50 marshals on the day of the event to assist the Zimbabwe Republic Police in managing the cycling routes intersections.

“As a safety measure, all participants are expected to wear helmets, which are available for hire at the venue on the day. All participants are also required to sign indemnity forms with those not covered under medical aid being required to sign a waiver to participate,” he said.

Speaking on the event’s theme, “Promoting Heart Health and Active Lifestyles”, Ndlovu noted that the focus is to raise awareness about heart health and the importance of keeping the heart in good shape through regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. It is estimated that around 1 in 12 people globally are living with a heart or circulatory disease.

“Heart health is central to overall wellness. The heart is size of a fist and is the strongest muscle in the body.

“However, it can become vulnerable from behavioural risk factors like a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, cholesterol, eating an unhealthy diet, or living with high blood pressure,” Ndlovu said.

“Maintaining a healthy heart and an active lifestyle carries substantial health benefits. Up to 80 percent of premature CVD deaths are preventable through affordable access to care, early screening, and making healthy choices in nutrition, activity, and lifestyle. Cimas Health Group is making efforts to improve awareness and treatment of health issues that put individuals at a risk for CVD, so no one misses a beat.”

Ndlovu encouraged communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritise their heart health through regular physical activity, such as cycling as it strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

“Pedal to W3llness is not just about fitness, it is about building lifelong habits that contribute to better health outcomes. As we continue living our purpose, to inspire healthier communities, I invite everyone to join the exciting Pedal to W3llness and take a step towards a healthier future. Together, we can promote heart health and encourage active living for all,” he said.

He added that apart from offering remarkable benefits for physical health, cycling also offers a safer and more environmentally friendly mode of transport, adding that to fully realise these benefits.

Ndlovu added that Harare City Council must invest in infrastructure that ensures the safety of cyclists on the road.

“This Pedal to W3llness is a not to be missed cycling event that unites cycling enthusiasts, families, and individuals eager to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

“This year our aim is to bring together 500 cyclists comprising of 400 adults and 100 children as we raise awareness on how to promote heart health and active lifestyles,” Ndlovu said.

Ndlovu is confident that this year’s event will be even bigger and better, aiming to surpass last year’s edition, which drew over 300 cyclists.