Over 250 people arrived early to sign in, pin on their number, and listen to instructions from Elder Omar Jacobs of Jamaica, the full-time missionary and experienced runner, who dreamed up the idea.
Balloons festooned the start/finish gate that doubles as the entrance to the beautiful Kadoma chapel, and banners depicting activities of the Church announced the event’s sponsor. The starting gun fired, and the runners and walkers were off! Some were running, others leisurely sauntering along chatting and laughing along the way.
Not long after the start, the winners began to return for each of the divisions: women, men, teens, and kids. The perspiring runners drank bottles of water and enjoyed fresh fruit as they went through cooling down exercises. Later, the cultural hall rang with laughter and applause as certificates were handed out to first, second and third place winners.
According the Kadoma Branch Two president, Memory Chavengwa, the 5K Run/Walk was a fine success. “It strengthened the Church here in our city, made us a little more well known,” he said, adding, “It was an exciting activity for all of us. We’d like to make it an annual event.”