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Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
ORGANISERS of the 2016 edition of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon have set June 15 as the deadline for registration.

It could not be established how many athletes have registered so far as the organiser, only identified as John from Wild Frontiers was said to be in a meeting when Chronicle Sport sought an interview yesterday.

Wild Frontiers, on behalf of the giant mobile operator Econet, urged those wishing to participate in this year’s event to grab the last chance to register.

“Last chance for on-line entries for the Victoria Falls Marathon. Time is running out to get your entry in for one of the most scenic, wild and fun runs on the African Continent. The deadline for registration is June 15,” reads a statement on the mobile operator’s website.

The annual event which comprises a 42.2km marathon, 21.2km half marathon run and a 7.5km fun run will be held on July 3.

Participants will be required to collect their bibs a day before the event.

“Race numbers may be collected from the Kingdom Hotel registration room, on Friday 1 July 2016 or Saturday 2 July 2016 between 10AM and 5PM. No late collections will be available on race morning. Please make sure you bring proof of residency or citizenship at time of collection as you will be asked to produce this,” reads the statement.

Athletes must be over the age of 21 years to enter the 42km race and above 18 to enter the 21km race.

The edition will be based on chipped timing.

Athletes will briefly cross the Victoria Falls Bridge into Zambia and back into the Zambezi National Park before finishing at Victoria Falls Primary School.

The annual event is registered with the Association of International Marathon and Distance Races and is staged in conjunction with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe.

It provides a platform for both local and international runners to pit themselves against the best, through landscapes.

Veteran Blanket Mine runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda has won the marathon on four consecutive occasions.

Sibanda romped home in a time of 2 hours 19 minutes 12 seconds to clinch his fourth consecutive title last year.