The streets of Lusaka were filled with energy and excitement on the morning of 4 July as the city hosted the first-ever Lusaka City Council (LCC) Half Marathon. The landmark event attracted fitness enthusiasts, corporate teams, community organisations and residents who came together to support a shared vision of promoting healthy lifestyles while raising awareness about environmental responsibility. Beginning at 05:00 hours from the Civic Centre on Independence Avenue, the marathon transformed the capital into a vibrant hub of physical activity and community engagement. The event was officially flagged off by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration, Dr. Gabriel Pollen, who encouraged citizens to embrace their role in keeping Lusaka clean. The inaugural marathon marked an important step in combining sport with environmental advocacy, highlighting how community participation can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable city.
Held under the theme “Uniting for a Cleaner Lusaka,” the marathon was organised to support the Lusaka City Council’s ongoing solid waste management initiatives. Organisers designed the event to appeal to participants of all ages and fitness levels by offering several race categories. These included the flagship 21.1-kilometre half marathon, a competitive 10-kilometre race and a 5-kilometre fun run for those looking to participate in a more relaxed setting. The variety of distances encouraged broad community involvement, making it possible for experienced runners, beginners and families to take part. By combining fitness with environmental awareness, the marathon delivered a powerful message about the importance of collective action in building a cleaner city.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Gabriel Pollen stressed that maintaining a clean and sustainable Lusaka requires cooperation from every section of society. He noted that as Zambia’s capital continues to expand, the responsibility for protecting the environment cannot rest solely with the Lusaka City Council. Instead, he called on every citizen, community group, institution and business to play an active role in keeping public spaces clean. Dr. Pollen emphasized that environmental responsibility should become part of everyday life rather than being viewed as the sole duty of local authorities. His remarks reinforced the marathon’s central message that lasting change depends on the commitment of the entire community.
The early morning start allowed participants to enjoy cooler temperatures while running through some of Lusaka’s most recognizable streets and landmarks. The carefully planned route offered runners a scenic experience while showcasing different parts of the capital city. Supporters lined sections of the course to cheer on participants, creating an atmosphere of encouragement and unity throughout the event. Volunteers and event officials worked together to ensure the races were conducted safely and efficiently. The successful organisation of the marathon demonstrated the city’s growing capacity to host large-scale community sporting events that serve a broader public purpose.
The private sector also played a significant role in ensuring the success of the inaugural marathon. Coca-Cola Beverages Zambia, through its Aqua Savana brand, partnered with the Lusaka City Council as the official hydration sponsor for the event. Hydration stations were positioned along the race route to provide runners with water and help them perform safely under demanding physical conditions. This collaboration highlighted the value of partnerships between local government and private companies in supporting initiatives that benefit public health and community development. Such cooperation also demonstrated how businesses can contribute to social and environmental programmes beyond their commercial activities.
Participants who crossed the finish line received official finisher medals in recognition of their efforts and achievements. The medals symbolized more than completing a race, as they also represented each participant’s contribution to promoting environmental awareness and encouraging responsible waste management. For many runners, the event provided an opportunity to challenge themselves physically while supporting an important civic cause. Corporate teams, recreational athletes and first-time runners all shared the same finish line, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the event. The celebrations at the end of each race reinforced the sense of accomplishment and community that defined the day.
The Lusaka City Council Half Marathon also highlighted the growing popularity of road running and wellness activities in Zambia. More people are embracing fitness events not only as opportunities to improve their health but also as platforms to support meaningful social causes. By linking physical activity with environmental conservation, the marathon created a unique experience that inspired participants to think beyond personal achievement. The event demonstrated that sport can be a powerful tool for educating communities and encouraging positive behavioural change. It also showed that public events can successfully bring together government institutions, businesses and ordinary citizens around a common goal.
The success of the first Lusaka City Council Half Marathon provides a strong foundation for future editions of the event. With enthusiastic participation, strong institutional support and meaningful community engagement, the marathon achieved its objective of promoting healthier lifestyles while advancing the campaign for improved waste management. The message of “Uniting for a Cleaner Lusaka” resonated throughout the day as thousands of people came together in support of a cleaner, greener capital. As Lusaka continues to grow, initiatives that combine public health, environmental responsibility and civic participation will become increasingly important. The inaugural marathon has set a positive example of how sport can inspire collective action and strengthen the shared commitment to building a cleaner and more sustainable city for future generations.