ATHLETICS – THE sixth edition of the Lubombo Marathon, scheduled for April 10, 2027 in Siteki, will be held at an estimated cost of E750 000.
This was revealed by TZD Sports Chairman Zakhele Dlamini during the official launch of the sixth edition of the race at Ubombo Country Club in Big-Bend yesterday.
RES Corporation and Ubombo Sugar have partnered with TZD Sports to ensure the success of the event, which continues to attract running enthusiasts and promote healthy lifestyles.
Dlamini described the marathon as an important sporting event that brought prestige to the Lubombo region while combining sporting passion with social impact.
“This marathon is an event dedicated to running fanatics and those interested in living a healthy lifestyle. It brings prestige to our region and has the potential to combine passion and fun with meaningful social impact.
“We encourage companies, particularly those operating in this region, to use the race as an opportunity to promote physical fitness and team-building among their employees,” he said.
Dlamini acknowledged that hosting an event of this magnitude required significant financial resources, revealing that the 2027 edition had a budget of E750 000.
“We have done everything possible to keep costs low without compromising the standard of the race, ensuring that it remains fun and exciting for participants,” he said. He expressed gratitude to RES Corporation and Ubombo Sugar for coming on board as partners, describing their support as a significant contribution to the event.
Dlamini also acknowledged support from Tambankulu Estates as well as long-standing partners Dixie’s International, NTT Toyota, KEV Logistics and Oracle Life Insurance.
Speaking on behalf of Siteki Town Council, Human Resources Manager Siphosami Simelane welcomed the marathon, describing it as more than just a sporting event but an investment in the health and well-being of the community.
Simelane noted that physical activity was increasingly important as lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity continued to affect communities.
“The Lubombo Marathon is more than a sporting event. It is an investment in the health and well-being of our people.
“At a time when lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity are increasingly affecting our communities, physical exercise has become more important than ever.
“Running and walking promote physical fitness, improve mental wellness and contribute to healthier and more productive citizens,” she said.
Simelane said the town looked forward to welcoming participants and visitors to Siteki while encouraging everyone to contribute towards making the event safe and enjoyable.
…RES Corporation, Ubombo Sugar contribute E170 000
ATHLETICS – CORPORATE giants RES Corporation and Ubombo Sugar Limited have reaffirmed their commitment to sports development in the country by contributing a combined E170 000 towards the 2027 Lubombo Marathon.
RES Corporation Group Public Affairs Manager Ishmond Fakudze announced a sponsorship of E100 000 towards the event.
“What a remarkable journey! We have been supporting this race and will continue doing so in the future. The race creates business opportunities, advances tourism and promotes a healthy lifestyle. TZD Sports deserves a round of applause for its efforts,” he said. Fakudze added that E50 000 of the sponsorship would be in cash while the company would also provide two fully loaded buses to transport participants.
Meanwhile, Ubombo Sugar Limited Corporate Affairs Manager Leonard Ndzimandze announced a E70 000 cash sponsorship, alongside additional logistical support.
“We are happy to continue partnering with TZD Sports. We have seen great improvement with every edition of this competition. As Ubombo Sugar, we will contribute E70 000 in cash, provide a bus full of participants and set up hydration points along the route. Thank you for choosing us as your partner. We also encourage other companies to come on board,” he said.
Siteki Police Station Commander Elmon Nkonde assured stakeholders of the police’s continued support, pledging to provide the necessary human resources to ensure the successful hosting of the eent. The 2027 edition of the Lubombo Marathon is scheduled for April 10, 2027, starting and finishing at the Siteki Sports Ground. The event will feature three race categories: the 42.2km marathon, 21km half marathon and 10km race.
Registration is already open through the event’s online platforms and will close on March 21, 2027.
