Savari wins inaugural ZB half marathon

**ZB Financial Holdings Group CEO Shepherd Fungura waters a tree he planted at the end of the inaugural half marathon that was hosted by the financial institution last Sunday**

Gilbert Munetsi

Long-distance runner, Lium Savari was the first athlete home in a time of 1:17: 03 to clinch the inaugural ZB financial Holdings’ 21km half marathon top prize at an event held at the ZB Sports Club last Sunday.

Savari beat second-placed Marlon Tazeni who crossed the finishing line at 1:18:25. In third place was Solomon Mutsikamahwe who finished the race at 1:19:34 to complete the podium.

Wallace Chimboza, Innocent Nyengeze, Freedom Munengi, Tedious Ndlovu, Alex Nzenza, Kudakwashe Munyangwariri and Carlington Zuva completed the top 10 in that order.

In the lady’s category, Lorna Doormari romped to victory in 1:34:01. Behind her was Patricia Chikambura who crossed the finishing line 10 minutes later while Rumbidzai Chiunde came third to complete the podium.

In the men’s 10km category, Bright Handiradi took only 37:50 to complete the race ahead of Hillary Nyandoro who crossed the finishing line in 47,34 while Trymore Mhlanga came third at 48,57 minutes.

In a statement, ZB Financial Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer, Shepherd Fungura said the event was meant to improve the relationship that exists between them and their clientele.

“I am delighted to host this inaugural ZB Half Marathon – another ZB first and a key milestone in our transformation journey to improving lives through service.

“As ZB, our focus is on the customer and our aim is to deliver exceptional service. We hope today we are doing this to your satisfaction through the various activities that have taken place and some which are to take place throughout the day,” he said.

The theme of the inaugural half marathon was, “Improving lives through service: Sustainable growth and Creating Happy people through wellness.”

The objective of the event was to align the financial institution to sustainability and the UNSDG Goal Number 3, which is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

“I am happy to see participation across various ages and, of note, are students participating from our schools' entrepreneurship development programme with Emergination Africa. Some of them have established companies and trading,” the Group CEO added.

The half marathon will be an annual event and we will be held in different parts of the country. Next year, it will be held in Bulawayo and for inclusivity, people living with disabilities will be allowed to participate, starting with the wheelchair race.