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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

THE Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) has expressed gratitude to financial services group, Old Mutual, for their continued support of the sport in the times of the pandemic.

Old Mutual is the only corporate that hosts six marathons across the country, with more than 7 500 athletes and fitness enthusiasts taking part every year.

The financial service group earlier this month pledged to continue their support for athletics at a time most corporates are opting out of sport owing to the effects of Covid-19 on business.

With Covid-19 wreaking-havoc, Old Mutual has turned to virtual marathons that have been on the rise since start of the pandemic.

In a virtual marathon, athletes register and pay the requisite amount for their preferred distance then run on the set date at their own time along their own chosen route.

The athletes record the finishing time and upload it on the race website and get certificates of participation which they can print out.

Old Mutual who hold marathon events in Dangamvura, Mutare, Bulawayo and Harare have ben leading in hosting virtual marathon and have pledged to continue doing so.

“At a time like this, we really appreciate the support we are getting from Old Mutual. It is important to that our athletes keep in shape because they will rust at home without any competition.

“We hope the efforts of Old Mutual will inspire other corporates to continue to support our athletes. There is not much we can do during this period and as such we welcome such creative ways to keep athletes busy and focused on sport,” said Bab chairperson Watson Madanyika.

Old Mutual has also called on people to take part in marathon events as they improve one’s health and well-being. According to Old Mutual, the races have opportunities to acquire the times required for participation in international races while proceeds support charitable initiatives.

@innocentskizoe