Each year the quiet town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe becomes a scene of competition and celebration with the build up to the Victoria Falls Marathon. Anyone who has ever run over a long distance, will tell you that you can feel bored and uninspired as the race wears on. While you will have moments in any marathon where you ‘hit a wall’, there’s no better place to hit that wall than in the beauti
ful surroundings of Victoria Falls. The Vic Falls Marathon offers participants the choice of a 7.5 km fun run, 21.1 km half-marathon or a 42.2 km full marathon. The backdrop of Victoria Falls makes this one of the most idyllic marathon settings in the world. Starting on the Zimbabwean side of the Zambezi River, competitors run across the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, stretching over a massive gorge, with the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls urging them on towards Zambezi National Park. With the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ bellowing behind you, supporters at marathons that usually line the road make way for the wildlife that occupy these serene surroundings. Where else in the world can you be supported by local wildlife, while the kilometres tick away as you move towards the finish line? With emotions running high, and energy reserves running low, as you cross the finish line, leave a little bit extra in your tank for the after party, or sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Marathon nerves that were with you a couple of hours ago give way to feelings of achievement as you celebrate with your fellow runners. There are few marathons in the world that leave you wondering if you came for the marathon or for a holiday. The Vic Falls Marathon is serene, wild and fun – this is one marathon that you don’t want to miss.