Cimas Health Group, the country’s largest private medical aid society and health and wellness service provider, will host the third edition of its annual cycling event, Pedal to W3llness, on September 27 at Borrowdale Office Park in Harare.
The event, organised through the Group’s health and wellness division iGo, aims to promote cardiovascular fitness and active lifestyles. It is open to cyclists of all ages, including children, and will start and finish at Borrowdale Office Park. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Promoting Heart Health & Active Lifestyles,” which coincides with World Heart Day observed globally on September 29.
Speaking at a press briefing, Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer Vuli Ndlovu said Pedal to W3llness was part of the organisation’s efforts to inspire healthier communities through its wellness programmes. He said the cycling event was designed to encourage participation in physical activity while raising awareness of the importance of cardiovascular health.
The event will feature three distances: 45 kilometres, 22.5 kilometres for adults, and 4.5 kilometres for children. Participants will be timed electronically using race bibs and will receive finisher medals. Online registration opened last week, with entry fees set at US\$10 for those bringing their own bicycles and US\$25 inclusive of bike hire. Children under the age of 13 will participate free of charge.
To ensure safety, Cimas will deploy 50 marshals to work with the Zimbabwe Republic Police in managing the cycling routes and intersections. Helmets will be compulsory, and participants will be required to sign indemnity forms. Helmets will be available for hire at the venue on the day of the event.
Ndlovu said the theme of this year’s event was chosen to highlight the importance of keeping the heart healthy through regular exercise and lifestyle choices. According to the World Health Organisation, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for an estimated 17.9 million deaths each year. It is also estimated that one in twelve people globally are living with a heart or circulatory disease.
He noted that up to 80 percent of premature cardiovascular deaths can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, exercise and early screening. He urged communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and to view activities such as cycling not only as fitness but as part of long-term wellness.
Cimas is targeting 500 participants this year, up from more than 300 who took part in last year’s edition. Ndlovu said the organisation also hoped to raise awareness about cycling as a safe and environmentally friendly mode of transport, while encouraging authorities to invest in infrastructure that protects cyclists.
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