By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The 16th Edition of the Friends of the Environment (FOTE) Walkathon an initiative by the Nyaradzo Group in partnership with Old Mutual and Stanbic Bank began before dawn today in Beitbridge, with spirited participants taking on the 22-kilometre challenge to Lutumba Adventist Primary School.
By 0345hrs, walkers had already gathered at the starting point for attire collection and warm-up exercises.
At exactly 0435hrs, Team Beitbridge stepped into the cool morning air, officially beginning the long trek under the banner “A tree today, a forest tomorrow.”
As the sun rose, participants pushed forward with determination, and organisers confirmed that walkers had just passed the Chamunanga area, maintaining a strong and steady pace.
Cheers, laughter, and a strong sense of team spirit continue to define the journey as participants edge closer to Lutumba.
The walkathon, part of the nationwide 500 Million Tree Planting initiative, aims to raise environmental awareness while promoting a tree-planting culture across communities.
Clad in official FOTE attire, walkers moved in unity, motivating one another along the route.
“Let’s do this Team Beitbridge!” a coordinator exclaimed, celebrating the impressive turnout and energy on the ground.
Today’s 22 km mission marks yet another powerful step in Zimbabwe’s drive toward ecosystem restoration one walk, one tree, and one community at a time.