AS the first light of dawn crept into my room, my alarm rang out at 4:30am, cutting through the stillness of the early morning. I blinked against the darkness, still wrapped in the warmth of my blankets, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Sunday was the Lake Harvest Marathon in Kariba, an event I had eagerly anticipated for weeks.
However, as I lay there, a wave of realisation 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 5am, 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 to the marathon in time?
Would we be able to participate in this event we had trained so hard for?
As we boarded the bus, the air buzzed with the chatter of fellow participants. Some were seasoned athletes, while others were first-timers like us, all sharing the same goal: to run, to challenge ourselves, and to experience the camaraderie that defines such events.
The bus journey was filled with laughter and nervous chatter, but as we drew closer to the venue, the reality of our predicament sank in. We had no clear directions from our hotel to the start line, and time was running out.
With each passing minute, our anxiety grew.
- Reflections on Lake Harvest marathon
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Would we find our way?
Would we miss the start of the race?
Just when our nerves threatened to overwhelm us, we encountered a group of locals also heading to the marathon. They noticed our confusion and offered to help us find our way.
Their kindness was a refreshing reminder 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, our spirits lifted by their enthusiasm and support.
They shared stories of past marathons, offered pacing tips, and encouraged us to savour the experience, regardless of the outcome.
Their warmth illuminated our path, and we felt a profound sense of belonging amidst the chaos of the morning. Upon arriving at the venue, we were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere.
The energy was palpable, with runners stretching, warming up, and exchanging 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.
It was a testament to the power of kindness and teamwork.
We had navigated the unfamiliar together, relying on each other and the generosity of others to overcome obstacles.
As the starting gun fired, we surged forward, propelled by adrenaline and the cheers of the crowd.
The route wound through the breath-taking landscape of Kariba, with the shimmering lake on one side and lush greenery on the other.
Each step reminded me of the support we had received — not just from our newfoundfriends but from the entire community.
As we ran, fellow marathoners cheered us on, their words of encouragement resonating deeply.
“You’ve got this!”
“Keep going!”
Their voices formed a symphony of support, lifting our spirits and fuelling our determination.
It was a beautiful reminder that we were not alone in this endeavour; we were part of something larger than ourselves, a tapestry of shared dreams and aspirations woven together by the spirit of community.
Crossing the finish line was exhilarating.
The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming, but what lingered longer was a profound feeling of gratitude. We had faced challenges, yet we had also experienced kindness in its truest form.
The strangers who had helped us, the community members, who cheered us on, and the fellow runners who shared our journey all played pivotal roles in making this marathon memorable.
After the race, we reconnected with the locals, who had guided us earlier.
Sharing stories and laughter, we forged bonds that transcended the event itself. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and the impact of small acts of kindness.
It reminded us that regardless of our backgrounds or experiences, we all share a common humanity that can shine brightly in moments of uncertainty.
Reflecting on the Lake Harvest Marathon in Kariba, I am reminded that life is much like a marathon. It is filled with unexpected twists and turns, challenges and triumphs, but it is the connections we make along the way that truly enrich our journeys.
The kindness of strangers, the spirit of teamwork, and the encouragement of our peers can transform even the most daunting experiences into something beautiful. As I look back on that early morning adventure, I carry with me not just the memory of crossing the finish line but invaluable lessons about kindness, community, and the power of togetherness.
In a world that often feels divided, it is these moments of connection that remind us of our shared humanity and the strength we find in one another.
The Lake Harvest Marathon was more than just a race; it was a celebration of the human spirit, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.
We can each make the world a better place by simply being kind.
Until then, we are blessed to be a blessing (#B2BAB). We were here, becoming better, making our mark, and leaving our footprint as we strive to make the world a better place.
- Chirenje writes in her personal capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe. Twitter: @graceruvimbo; Facebook: Grace Chirenje; Instagram: @graceruvimbo
