About Us

Only Those Who Know

In the Tonga language, Kasambabezi carries wisdom passed down through generations. It speaks of those who know the river — those who understand its beauty, its danger, and its sacred rhythm. On the mighty Zambezi River, only those who know where to bathe are safe — because knowing is survival. Kasambabezi — a word that lives in the hearts of the BaTonga people — means: “Only those who know the river can bathe in it.”

Since 2017

Since 2017, on the shores of Lake Kariba, a movement has been quietly growing — shaped by the earth, the river, and the people of Binga. The Kasambabezi Binga Marathon carries this spirit forward. This is more just a marathon. This is a homecoming. A rite of passage. A cultural awakening. We don’t just run through Binga. We run with Binga. We run to honour the land. We run to lift the people. We run to tell the world: We are here. This isn’t just a racecourse. This is sacred ground with heartbeat lanes and ancestral starting lines.

Mission

To position Binga as a leading destination for cultural tourism, athletic excellence, and community-powered development.

Vision

To host a world-class marathon that celebrates health, heritage, and home — while creating lasting opportunities for the people of Binga.

It is a test of endurance — not just of the body, but of the spirit. It is a journey through one of Zimbabwe’s most breathtaking and culturally rich districts. It is a call to athletes, adventurers, tourists, and dreamers to come and experience Binga beyond what the world thinks they know.

From its pristine sand beaches to the healing waters of Chibwatatata Hot Springs, from traditional Tonga music to the power of Lake Kariba, this marathon is a gateway into a story bigger than sport — it is a story of people, place, and purpose.

Only Those Who Know