THE Kariba Tourism and Business Indaba (KTBI) has thrown its weight behind the Lake Harvest Kariba Challenge, hailing it as a significant booster to the local tourism industry.
The event was held on Sunday, starting from Caribbea Bay Resort and ending at Lake Harvest Sports Club.
In an interview with NewsDay, KTBI administrator Cephas Shonhiwa emphasised the importance of leveraging on signature events to boost the region’s appeal.
“We believe this event is bigger than what others may think, as it has attracted a national audience and participants,” Shonhiwa said.
“It is one of our signature events that needs to be promoted, especially by our locals. We want to encourage more participants and we are excited to see the impact this event will have on our local economy.”
The Lake Harvest Kariba Challenge has a rich history, dating back to its inception as the Kariba Fun Run, which was started by the Kariba community.
The event was later managed by Roundtable in the early 2000s before Lake Harvest became the main sponsors and renamed it in 2010-11.
Since then, it has grown in popularity and has become a premier sporting event in Zimbabwe.
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Evonne Mudzingwa, Lake Harvest Challenge organiser and Eve's Wellness Boutique executive director, said preparations for the event were progressing smoothly.
“Everything is on track, the race is almost fully subscribed,” she said.
The event will feature a 21-km run across the Kariba Dam wall and a scenic 10-km run/walk with breathtaking views of Lake Kariba.
The event is expected to bring numerous benefits to the local community, including increased visibility for Kariba's tourism offerings, job creation and economic growth.
Proceeds from the event will support local charities.
Last year, the Lake Harvest Kariba Challenge raised funds to source injections for injured wildlife, donated to the Kariba Animal Welfare Fund and did repairs at Kariba Hospital.
With KTBI's endorsement and the Lake Harvest Challenge's growing popularity, Kariba is poised to become a major player in Zimbabwe's tourism industry, showcasing its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture and exciting activities such as water sports, wildlife viewing and scenic views.
