Traveling to Zimbabwe

Going places for running is not only an interest to me. It’s a big business. There are marathon collectors that aim running marathons in every country or state in the US or other different constellations. I also love to take part in races at places I have not visited before like a two in one, travel and do sightseeing and running. This time running took me to Victoria falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia. I had an amazing time with 5000 other runners that mostly came from outside the Victoria falls for the race weekend. Fantastic country and fantastic people made the trip to become well above expectations.

Traveling to Zimbabwe

From Zurich I flew to Victoria falls with Ethiopian airlines. Not my favorite airline but I made it there on time and landed at Victoria falls airport in Zimbabwe which is located a comfortable 20 minute taxi ride from the village. The airport is new built by Chinese. Zimbabwe is full of Chinese investments. China help out with infrastructure and in return they get natural resources like mines of various kinds. A great deal for China since the mines are worth more than the short term investments in infrastructure, but hey what do you do as a government of Zimbabwe when financial resources are scarce? I got warmly welcomed to Africa at noon after my night flight. Like always I expected to get some cash at the airport but the ATM was down and when I was going to pay my visa fee the card machine did not worked so a friendly guy paid for me. Luckily I could pay the taxi by card and first stop was an ATM then a short visit to the bib collection before going to the lodge where I was staying.

Race morning

Since the run was a huge event in Victoria falls the hotels were prepared. My lodge was filled with runners and they had arranged with breakfast from 5 am. Marathon start was 06:30 and half which I was running at 7:00. I had a cup of coffee or two, some yoghurt and a half banana before heading I got picked up to go to the start. It was still dark outside and walking in darkness is not recommended due to wildlife. It wasn’t far but was nice with a ride. The morning hours were very, very cold about 8 degrees and of course I had not prepared for that so it was a freezing experience waiting for the start. Luckily I had taken a towel from the hotel with me otherwise I would been an ice sculpture by now. It was great watching other runners warming up. I don’t like warming up so I was just watching. The start got slightly delayed since there were elephants in the way they had to move but slightly after 7 we ran off.

The warmup phase

We all took off together in a massive group. I would say 4000 people were running the 21K version and I was expecting to be passed by a lot of runners. I mean it is Africa. So I started slowly to warm up my frozen hands and feets. The sun started to rise and it became warmer immediately. I had not checked the map in detail but what I looked forward to was the Victoria falls bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia. I had promised myself to just enjoy the run and not think about speed. Did it worked? Soso. Competitive mind started to be there after about 5K.

Two countries run

Fellow runners were coming in all different styles. Some in sweat pants and some in sneakers. I had a nice flow from the start and I tried to enjoy to the max. Temperature was perfect and I stopped at the Vic falls bridge for taking some photos and videos. After a quick visit in Zambia we turned back over the bridge to Zimbabwe and got warmly welcomed by a rainbow. It was one of these mornings that you will remember for life. Stunning views when the sun was rising at the falls.

Race mode on and I saw a girl that I decided to beat. Easily done, she was suffering to keep below 5 min/KM pace already at 7K so next one to chase. We started to meet the runners who had passed a turning point and I counted the ladies. I knew top 10 would get some reward and maybe, maybe I would be in that range. Would be fun but not the end of the world to not be.

Second half

Then of course a hill came. A long one. The run had been easy and flat but now three kilometers slightly upwards started. Quite a lot of people were out cheering and I told myself “don’t walk”, “don’t walk” so I kept on pushing through the hill and reached the top. I had no clue if any more uphill sessions would come but I thought let’s face it if it comes so I maxed out in just above 4 min/KM pace passing one after another runner. I had such a good flow. Didn’t wanted to run to end but suddenly it was only 1K left.

But at one point it was over. I thought I saw the finish line but guess what, it was not and I had to end with additional 500 meters running in colorful sand before turning off my watch. Running wise I could have continued with a second lap to go for a marathon but this was absolutely enough for me and I will bring with me the good memories from this race.

In Vic falls this race weekend is a huge thing. People are traveling from near and far to participate or cheer at others. Hotels were completely full and there were a massive amount of activities around this run.

When I had checked out the finish area for a while I was ready to walk back to the hotel to have breakfast. The staff wondered if I won because I was one of the first ones coming back but a little bit after one by one was coming back to the hotel and we all joined in for a delicious breakfast together to share our race stories.

I can warmly recommend both going to Zimbabwe and to attend the Victoria falls marathon or half marathon. It was an amazing race and unforgettable weekend.

/ Pernilla that had a great Zimbabwe trip