By Staff Reporter
The Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) church has long upheld health and wellness as key pillars of holistic living.
In this spirit, the Avondale Adventist Athletics Club, led by Elder Anesu Kondo, was formed to promote physical fitness, discipline, and community wellness through running and athletics.
Despite being formed less than a year ago, the club has already made remarkable strides. “We have successfully prepared and sent 10 novice runners to participate in the prestigious Comrades Marathon in South Africa,” said Elder Kondo.
“This group of first-time participants included one female athlete and three pastors, reflecting the church’s inclusive encouragement of fitness across all demographics and leadership levels.”
Besides Elder Kondo, other participants included Polite Nsimba, Tonderai Shena, Immanuel Mandeya, and pastors Ngorima, Obert Mudzengi, and Mangwende. Patrick Ndowa, David Magwaza, and Prosper Matiashe also participated.
However, one athlete was unfortunately unable to travel due to an injury sustained just before the race, and another could not complete the marathon due to injury.
Despite these setbacks, the remaining runners successfully crossed the finish line.
Elder Kondo expressed gratitude to God and the church for this significant milestone, stating that it is “a powerful reflection of the SDA Church’s support for holistic health, nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.”
The SDA North Zimbabwe Conference Health Ministries department extended its congratulations to the club.
“Join us in expressing hearty congratulations to Pastors Mudzengi, N. Mangwende, Ngorima, and Elder Kondo on completing the 90 km 2025 Comrades Race on June 8,” read part of their statement.
The club continues to inspire both church members and the wider community.
The Comrades Marathon is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon—an approximately 89 km (56 mile) race held annually in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
