The Post Insurance Mr Pace Half Marathon is aiming to attract more than 600 runners to this year's edition up from 423 last year backed by a expanded budget of US$25,000.
At the official launch of the event, Global Risk Underwriting Managers (GRUMA) Chief Executive Muwengwa Marumahoko revealed that registration numbers are already nearing their target.
“Last year we had 423 athletes. This year we are targeting over 600, but I am happy to say that, as of yesterday when our team had the briefing, we were almost there,” said Marumahoko. “People are coming in and they are registering.”
First inaugurated in 2022, the race has rapidly grown into a prominent fixture on the national athletics calendar. Organisers have substantially scaled up financial support from its early budget of roughly US5,000toUS25,000 this year, with US$9,900 set aside purely for prize money across multiple divisions.
Marumahoko emphasized that boosting rewards for competitors remains a central priority due to the physical demands and limited timeframes of professional sport.
“My thrust and drive is to make sure we give more to the athletes because athletes have a short lifespan to accumulate this wealth,” he said. “The total prize money we are giving this year is about US$9 900, which we have spread to help more athletes when they participate.”
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The winner of the open half-marathon will walk away with US$1,000. Cash prizes have also been allocated across various age and ability categories, including veterans and wheelchair athletes.
Beyond domestic participation, organisers are pushing to expand the event's global footprint, with Kenyan runners among the international field expected to line up this year.
“We continue striving to make sure this becomes an annual and international event which attracts more international athletes,” Marumahoko added.
Speaking on the underlying purpose of the event, Nicoz Diamond Managing Director David Nyabadza highlighted that the corporate backing extends beyond mere competition to encompass long-term community growth and health.
“Our partnership is built on a shared vision to promote health, wellness, athletics and community development,” said Nyabadza. “The champions of tomorrow require guidance, opportunity, encouragement and a supportive environment in which their talents can thrive.”
Addressing talent discovery, Marumahoko noted a specific focus on identifying and elevating promising runners from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. He called on more corporate sponsors to step forward and support local athletes through meaningful financial incentives as the half marathon continues to expand.
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