HISTORY is about to be made as the Binga Kasambabezi Marathon goes international in 2025, turning what started as a humble local race into a global cultural and sporting explosion.
For the first time-ever, the marathon will be held simultaneously in two countries; Binga, Zimbabwe and Lublin, Poland, on Saturday 27 September 2025. It will be a sporting spectacle like no other, uniting two cities and two continents in a celebration of endurance, culture and ambition.
Now in its 8th year, the Kasambabezi Marathon is a symbol of Binga’s rise, a celebration of BaTonga heritage, and now, a bold statement on the global stage.
“This is not just about running,” said Thabo Clarence, founder of Open Letta Communications, who partnered with the Local Organizing Committee to rebrand and elevate the marathon. “The new logo is more than a design. It’s a new heartbeat for the BaTonga people. It’s about putting Binga and Zimbabwe on the world map.”
In Binga, runners will tackle 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km routes, with side events including a 50km cycle race and a 10km wheelchair challenge. Over in Poland, participants will take on a 12km route around Lake Zemborzycki, with plans to grow into a full marathon by 2026.
The Binga edition will run alongside the BaTonga Cultural Festival, creating a full-blown weekend of colour and celebration. Expect traditional dance, music, chess, draughts, local food, and a proudly African vibe pulsing through the Zambezi valley.
Not to be outdone, Lublin will offer its own cultural twist with an African food expo and cultural exhibitions introducing Poland to the soul of Zimbabwe.
Never Mwinde, founder and chairperson of the race, said the international leap is a dream come true. “It has always been about community and culture. We started this to bring pride to Binga. Now, seeing it spread to another continent, it’s proof that we are doing something powerful. The new team is bringing fresh vision and energy.”
Organisers expect a massive turnout, over 2 000 runners and 3 000 spectators in Binga, and another 700 runners with 1 000 spectators in Lublin.
At the heart of this year’s race is a bold development plan called Binga Digital 2040. The goal? Bring digital literacy to over 100 000 rural residents by building solar-powered computer labs near schools and villages.
“This marathon is more than sport,” said Ronald Siyamwamwata, one of the event co-ordinators. “It’s about showing that Zimbabwe can rise again. It’s about giving our youth better paths to follow. It’s about national pride, health, and transformation.”
From forgotten corner to global spotlight, Binga is sprinting into history. The Kasambabezi Marathon is no longer just Zimbabwe’s hidden gem, it’s an international race with a mission, a heartbeat, and a future.