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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
TOP and up-and-coming athletes are set to participate at the Brethren in Christ Church Anti-Violence Awareness Campaign Marathon set for White City Stadium today.

The marathon, set to start and end at White City Stadium, will run under the theme “Together for Peace, Respect, Safety and Dignity for all”. The meet will be held to commemorate the International Day of Peace which is observed every year on September 21. The marathon will see athletes compete in the 10km and 5km distances.

National coordinator, Sibonokuhle Ncube, said they were having the marathon as a way to spread the anti-violence message.

“The major goal is to denounce all forms of violence, we are saying no to violence and we want everyone to join in.

“We are very excited about the marathon, we expect to get over 3 500 athletes from across the city. We are working hand in hand with the Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) and we hope to have top athletes including Samukeliso Moyo taking part.

“The marathon will cater for everyone, we will have categories for men, children, women, senior citizens and the disabled. We are calling upon everybody to come and join this historic event, we expect political leaders, captains of industry, academics and the media to help us achieve this dream,” said Ncube.

Ncube said they were working with civil society, captains of industry and the Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) to make this day a success.

The funds from the registration fees paid by the athletes will go towards peace and integrity life clubs in schools around the city, while some of it will go towards the prizes.

Winner of the 10km race will walk away with $300  while  $150 has been set aside for the 5km winner. — @innocentskizoe