As the first light of dawn crept into my room, my alarm rang out at 5:00 AM, cutting through the stillness of the early morning

As the first light of dawn crept into my room, my alarm rang out at 5:00 AM, cutting through the stillness of the early morning Wrapped in the warmth of my blankets, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety Sunday was the Lake Harvest Half Marathon in Kariba, an event I had eagerly anticipated for weeks But as I lay there, a wave of realization washed over me: we had no idea how to get from our hotel to the venue After a hurried breakfast, my friend and I scrambled to gather our gear, the clock ticking ominously We needed to be at the venue by 6 AM, and time was slipping away We quickly decided to board a bus, hoping it would take us to the start line Yet, as we stood outside, uncertainty loomed large Would we make it in time Would we be able to participate in this event we had trained so hard for The bus journey was filled with laughter and nervous chatter, but as we neared the venue, the reality of our predicament sank in We had no clear directions, and time was running out Just when our nerves threatened to overwhelm us, a group of locals heading to the marathon noticed our confusion and offered assistance Their kindness reminded us that even in unfamiliar surroundings, there are always good people willing to lend a helping hand We followed them through the bustling streets of Kariba, buoyed by their enthusiasm They shared stories of past marathons, offered pacing tips, and encouraged us to savor the experience, regardless of the outcome Upon arrival, we were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere Runners stretched, warmed up, and exchanged excited banter The sound of music and cheers echoed around us, creating a sense of unity among participants Standing there, side by side with strangers who had become friends, I reflected on the journey that had brought us to this moment—a testament to the power of kindness and teamwork As the starting gun fired, we surged forward, propelled by adrenaline and the cheers of the crowd The route wound from theLake Harvest Sports Arenato the Kariba border post and back, revealing breathtaking views of the shimmering lake and lush greenery on either side As we ran, fellow marathoners cheered us on Their voices formed a symphony of support, lifting our spirits and fueling our determination “You’ve got this!” and “Keep going!” echoed through the air, reminding us that we were part of something larger—a tapestry of shared dreams woven together by community spirit “Crossing the finish line was exhilarating The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming, but what lingered longer was gratitude “We had faced challenges but had also experienced kindness in its truest form—from the strangers who helped us to the community members who cheered us on.” After the race, we caught up with two fellow runners, Procila and Dr Muza, who shared their experiences of the marathon “I was nervous at first,” Pricila Makore said, “but the support from everyone made it feel like we were all in it together The scenery was stunning, and I loved every moment of it.” Dr Muza added, “I started at the sports arena and the atmosphere was electric It was a reminder of why I love running—it’s not just about competition, but the community and friendships we build along the way.” Reflecting on theLake Harvest Marathon, I am reminded that life is much like a marathon—filled with unexpected twists and turns The connections we make along the way enrich our journeys The kindness of strangers, the spirit of teamwork, and the encouragement of peers can transform daunting experiences into something beautiful Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked* Source: Gemnation All Zim News is a central hub for all things Zimbabwean, curating news from across the country so no story is missed Alongside aggregation, our team of nationwide reporters provides real-time, on-the-ground coverage Stay informed and connected — reach us at admin@allzimnews.com. Source: Gemnation