THE highly-anticipated second edition of the NetOne Honde Valley Marathon takes place tomorrow in Eastern Highlands, featuring 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km events.

Due to overwhelming demand, organisers reopened registration twice to accommodate last-minute entrants.

The excitement continues after the run with top local artists performing at the after-party.

Alois Bunjira, founder of Albun Academy and the brainchild behind the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon, said it’s a step in the right direction as people begin to invest more in fitness wellness.

“We breached the 600 participants mark that we had anticipated and activated emergency measures to accommodate the bigger number. With the influx of last-minute registrations, we got into the 1 000 region, which is a huge positive as our wellness event continues to get the much-needed vote of confidence,” Bunjira told NewsDay Sport.

“The preparations are in order and everything is going according to plan. Top athletes have signed up for the race, fitness enthusiasts want to live a healthy lifestyle and Chief Mutasa will grace the event as the guest of honour. It promises to be a fulfilled weekend in Honde Valley.”

With the official registration having closed, there has been a window extended to those willing to participate in the health and wellness and fun card.

Mutasa North MP Obey Bvute will sponsor the fun-filled race.

He has set aside aside eight trophies and textbooks as prizes.

“For those who failed to register because of various reasons, they can now register for free and compete in Honourable Bvute’s wing of the marathon that will run concurrently with the main NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon,” Bunjira said.

Meanwhile, Jah Signal, Poptain, Bazooka, Levels, Fantan and Chillspot Family lead the cast of musicians set to perform after the event at Pagotwe Lodge, featuring DJs Tony Friday and Kimble Rogers.