Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know about the Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon. Can't find your answer? Contact us directly.
Registration
Registration is done online through our race technical partners, Hype Nation. Visit https://bit.ly/JoshuaNkomoPeaceMarathon, select your race distance, sign in or create a Hype Nation account, complete the entry form, and pay the entry fee. You will receive a confirmation email with your race number and collection details.
We offer five race distances: 42.2KM Full Marathon (05:30), 21.1KM Half Marathon (05:45), 18KM Differently Abled Race (06:00), 10KM Road Race (06:00), and the 5KM Peace Fun Run (06:15). Categories include Juniors, Veterans, Masters/Mistresses, and Grand Masters/Mistresses.
Entry transfers are not permitted without prior written consent from the organisers. Please contact us at info@joshuankomopeacemarathon.co.zw if you have exceptional circumstances.
Registration fees are non-refundable. In the event of race cancellation by the organisers, participants will be offered a deferred entry or partial refund at the organisers' discretion.
The 42.2KM and 21.1KM are open to participants 18 and over. The 10KM is open to those 16 and over. The 5KM Fun Run is open to all ages — participants under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Race Day
All races start on 26 April 2026 from NUST, Bulawayo. Staggered start times: Full Marathon 05:30, Half Marathon 05:45, 18KM Differently Abled 06:00, 10KM Road Race 06:00, and 5KM Fun Run 06:15. The Race Village opens at 05:00.
Race kit collection (bib, timing chip, t-shirt) begins Thursday 23 April 2026 at NUST Race Village and continues through Saturday 25 April. You must collect your own kit and present your registration confirmation.
Full Marathon: 6 hours. Half Marathon: 3.5 hours. 18KM Differently Abled: 4 hours. 10KM: 2 hours. The 5KM Fun Run has no cut-off time — all finishers are celebrated. Prize giving is at 11:00 on race day.
Yes. There are 21 water points strategically placed across the course, including at NUST Main Gate, Ekusileni Hospital, All Saints Hospital, Spar Hillside, KFC, ZITF, National Museum, Ascot Shopping Centre, and more. Volunteers will distribute water and sports drinks at each station.
Official pacers will be available for the Full Marathon (target times: 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00) and the Half Marathon (1:45, 2:00, 2:30). Look for the pacer flags at the start line.
Headphones are permitted on the 10KM and 5KM routes. For safety reasons, we strongly discourage their use on the Full and Half Marathon courses where traffic management is in effect.
Logistics
Limited parking is available at NUST and surrounding streets. We strongly encourage participants to use public transport or arrange drop-offs to avoid congestion on race morning. The Race Village is at NUST, Cnr Cecil Avenue & Gwanda Road, Bulawayo.
Yes, secure bag storage will be available at the start/finish area. Bags must be labelled with your bib number. The organisers are not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Yes. The course was measured and ratified by Coach Aaron Whyte, a World Athletics Certified Road Course Measurer. This certification makes the Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon an official qualifier for regional races including South Africa's Comrades Marathon.
Yes. Qualified medical personnel and first aid stations will be positioned along the course and at the finish line. An ambulance will be on standby throughout the event. The Race Village will also host massage tents and clinical consults.
The race will proceed in most weather conditions. In the event of extreme weather posing a safety risk, the organisers reserve the right to delay, modify, or cancel the event. Participants will be notified via email and our social media channels.
The Legacy
Dr. Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo (1917–1999) was a Zimbabwean statesman and liberation hero, affectionately known as "Father Zimbabwe." He led the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) and was a key figure in the struggle for independence and national reconciliation.
The Joshua Nkomo Peace Marathon is a living tribute to Dr. Nkomo's legacy of unity, peace, and reconciliation. It brings together athletes and community members from across Zimbabwe and beyond to celebrate shared heritage through sport.
You can support the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project Trust by donating through our contact page, becoming a sponsor, or simply spreading the word about the marathon. Visit the About page to learn more about the Trust's work in heritage preservation and community development.
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