Beitbridge Municipality moved its 10-year-old marathon from June to July because Vice-President Kembo Mohadi plans a similar event. Town clerk Loud Ramakgapola said their Running Against Litter race will happen July 12 on Harare Road. The municipality changed dates to avoid competing with Mohadi's Run for Hope marathon. Officials believe two running events will help local businesses attract more customers. Sports groups support both marathons and welcome the increased activity.
Local residents have mixed feelings about the schedule change. Some people think officials should have picked different dates instead of moving the traditional event. Zanu PF supporters believe everything should stop when national leaders hold events in their area. Running fans like having two chances to compete and enjoy sports activities. The town usually welcomes any events that bring crowds to the border area.
Mohadi's organizers applied for official approval through the Sports and Recreation Commission. They selected June 21 after getting government permission for their event. Municipality officials had announced their 10th anniversary celebration for the same date three weeks earlier. National Athletics Association executives said municipal events cannot compete with government leader activities. The association holds these races without formal Sports Commission approval each year.
Local residents have mixed feelings about the schedule change. Some people think officials should have picked different dates instead of moving the traditional event. Zanu PF supporters believe everything should stop when national leaders hold events in their area. Running fans like having two chances to compete and enjoy sports activities. The town usually welcomes any events that bring crowds to the border area.
Mohadi's organizers applied for official approval through the Sports and Recreation Commission. They selected June 21 after getting government permission for their event. Municipality officials had announced their 10th anniversary celebration for the same date three weeks earlier. National Athletics Association executives said municipal events cannot compete with government leader activities. The association holds these races without formal Sports Commission approval each year.
