some of the runners who took part in the Cimas iGo half-marathon-pic by Lovejoy Mutongwiza/Lensecape Media
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Cimas iGo half-marathon Harare edition, hosted by Cimas Health Group last Sunday, was a resounding success, drawing over 1,500 runners to the event.
The Bulawayo edition is set to take place this Sunday.
Cimas Health Group’s Chief Marketing Officer, Tatenda Madzikanda, expressed satisfaction with the event, emphasizing its purpose of raising awareness about men’s health.
“We trust and believe that we have played our role in terms of raising awareness about men health issues and in particular prostate cancer and we do trust that the message has gotten through and we will definitely have men going to the Cimas Clinics, to their GPs (General Practitioners) to get tested and screened for prostate cancer.
“We are definitely looking forward to a bigger and better event next year and I’m inviting those in Bulawayo and those that can travel to Bulawayo to join us on Sunday 24th of November, at Bulawayo Athletics Club, we will be having the Cimas iGo half-marathon event.
“Please come and lets raise awareness in terms of prostate cancer and join the global movement where we are commemorating the Movember month,” said Madzikanda.
Jeremiah Chinhamo
Among the participants was 60-year-old Jeremiah Chinhamo from Norton, who joined the 10km race to contribute to prostate cancer awareness.
“I have always been a runner, but today I came specifically to be part of this campaign to raise awareness about prostate cancer. I traveled all the way from Norton to participate.
“I’m happy to see so many men taking part, and it’s also great to see women joining us. We supported them in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s wonderful to see that solidarity,” said Chinhamo.
He urged men to prioritize their health and take steps toward early detection of prostate cancer.
“Some men shy away from being tested because they are afraid of the possible diagnosis, but prostate cancer is one of the easiest cancers to manage if detected early.
“It’s important to know your status and seek help because it’s a treatable condition,” he added.
Innocent Gonese
Former legislator Innocent Gonese, who also participated in the half-marathon, said fitness and running was a lifestyle so he took heed of the call by Cimas to participate in raising awareness on men’s health.
“It is very important especially in the month of November which is men’s health awareness month because prostate cancer affects a lot of men so I think it is important to bring this awareness so that people and men in particular get checked for prostate cancer.
“We also want to encourage the people of Zimbabwe to keep fit because health is very important and it keeps away a lot of diseases, blood pressure, diabetes and so on,” said Gonese.
Sharon
Sharon who took part in the 10km half-marathon said she took part to show her support so as to raise awareness on men’s health.
“A lot of men don’t want to go and get their health checked but I feel like if we show that it’s ok to go and get checked, to take care of your health then it’s all good.
“So this is the only reason I’m here,” said Sharon.
Ellen Musvaire
Ellen Musvaire said she decided to participate in the race because she also wanted to support men.
“Men’s health is important and I’m also a mental health advocate so just to support the narrative I had to partake,” said Musvaire.
