By Buffalo Reporter
Lusaka
In the early hours of Saturday morning, 11 October, 2025, long before the first rays of sunlight pierced the Lusaka skyline, hundreds of eager runners converged at Buffalo Park for the inaugural Buffalo Marathon, a landmark event organised by the Zambia Army to promote physical fitness and foster stronger ties with the civilian community.
The marathon, flagged off at precisely 05:30 hrs for the full 42km race and 05:45 hrs for the half marathon, saw participants from diverse institutions and backgrounds take to the streets with determination and grit.
As the sun rose, the 10km and 5km races followed suit, drawing notable figures including Deputy Service Chiefs led by the Deputy Army Commander and Chief of Staff Major General Luswepo Sinyinza, as well as Defence Attaches from the United States and Namibia.
Despite the sweltering heat that intensified as the morning progressed, runners pressed on with unwavering resolve.
The men’s 42km category was claimed by Weaver Simalumba of the Zambia Correction Service, who crossed the finish line in an impressive 2:21:52.
The women’s title went to Zambia Army’s Charity Mulenga, clocking 3:04:21.
In the 21km race, Jackson Kashia of the Zambia Army emerged victorious in the men’s division with a time of 1:05:35, while Offless Siguwa from Zambia Air Force led the women’s pack, finishing in 1:23:51.
The 10km honours were taken by Obvious Mudenda of the Army (40:59:93) and Brenda Mumbi of Green Eagles in the women’s category.
Speaking during the medal presentation ceremony, Maj Gen Sinyinza emphasised the Army’s commitment to using the marathon as a platform to champion national health and fitness.
The Deputy Army Commander and Chief of Staff highlighted the event’s role in mobilising resources for recreational infrastructure, extending gratitude to the sponsors for their support.
He also thanked the general public for having come in numbers to support the marathon, and urged them to continue even in future.
And Buffalo Park Managing Director, Brig Gen Joe Hanzuki stated that the facility would continue to serve as a hub for sporting excellence and community engagement.