The country’s largest private medical aid society, health and wellness service provider, Cimas Health Group, has set September 27 as the date for the third edition of the cycling event, Pedal to Wellness, dedicated to promoting cardiovascular fitness and healthy lifestyles.
Organised through Cimas Health Group’s health and wellness division iGo, the signature cycling event is open to all cyclists, including children.
The third edition of Pedal to Wellness will be held at Borrowdale Office Park, Harare, which serves as both the starting and finishing point.
This year’s edition will be held under the theme “Promoting Heart Health & Active Lifestyles”. This theme aligns with the upcoming annual World Heart Day, observed globally on September 29 to raise awareness about heart health and promote healthy lifestyles.
Cimas Health Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Vuli Ndlovu, said Pedal to Wellness is part of their broader commitment under their iGo wellness programmes to inspire healthier communities.
“At Cimas Health Group, we believe in the importance of inspiring a healthier community. We host our annual Pedal to Wellness event as part of our commitment to promoting a culture of wellness in line with our purpose to inspire healthier communities,” Mr Ndlovu said.
“As we believe that a healthy nation benefits us all, through our Pedal to Wellness event, we are not only encouraging participants to engage in physical activity, but also highlighting the critical role that cardiovascular fitness, also known as cardiorespiratory fitness, plays in overall health and well-being.”
The cycling event features three cycling distances, 45km, 22.5 km for adults, and 4.5km for children. All participants will be timed using a modern electronic timing system integrated into their race bibs for accurate race tracking, and they will receive a finisher’s medal.
Mr Ndlovu said the online registration to participate at Pedal to Wellness opened last week on 27 August, adding that the registration fee is $10 using own bike or $25 inclusive of bike hire, while children under the age of 13 will participate for free.
“Whether you are an experienced cyclist, a beginner, or a fitness or wellness enthusiast, we invite everyone, including corporate organisations, to register and take part in Pedal to Wellness, which provides numerous health benefits,” Mr Ndlovu said.
“Through Pedal to Wellness, we aim to motivate individuals of all ages and fitness levels to integrate wellness into their everyday lives. We want everyone to embrace a healthy lifestyle.”
To ensure safety, Mr Ndlovu said Cimas Health Group will deploy 50 marshals on the day of the event to assist the Zimbabwe Republic Police in managing the cycling route intersections.
“As a safety measure, all participants are expected to wear helmets, which are available for hire at the venue on the day. All participants are also required to sign indemnity forms, with those not covered under medical aid being required to sign a waiver to participate,” Mr Ndlovu said.
Speaking on the event’s theme, “Promoting Heart Health & Active Lifestyles”, Mr Ndlovu noted that the focus is to raise awareness about heart health and the importance of keeping the heart in good shape through regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.
According to the World Health Organisation, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. It is estimated that around 1 in 12 people globally are living with a heart or circulatory disease.
“Heart health is central to overall wellness. The heart’s size is that of a fist and is the strongest muscle in the body. However, it can become vulnerable to behavioural risk factors like a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, high cholesterol, eating an unhealthy diet, or living with high blood pressure,” Mr Ndlovu said.
“Maintaining a healthy heart and an active lifestyle carries substantial health benefits. Up to 80% of premature CVD deaths are preventable through affordable access to care, early screening, and making healthy choices in nutrition, activity, and lifestyle. Cimas Health Group is making efforts to improve awareness and treatment of health issues that put individuals at risk for CVD, so no one misses a beat.”
Mr Ndlovu has encouraged communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritise their heart health through regular physical activity, such as cycling, as it strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
“Pedal to Wellness is not just about fitness, it is about building lifelong habits that contribute to better health outcomes. As we continue living our purpose, to inspire healthier communities, I invite everyone to join the exciting Pedal to W3llness and take a step towards a healthier future. Together, we can promote heart health and encourage active living for all,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said apart from offering remarkable benefits for physical health, cycling also offers a safer and more environmentally friendly mode of transport, adding that to fully realise these benefits, Harare City Council must invest in infrastructure that ensures the safety of cyclists on the road.
“This Pedal to Wellness is a not-to-be-missed cycling event that unites cycling enthusiasts, families, and individuals eager to embrace a healthier lifestyle. This year we aim to bring together 500 cyclists, comprising of 400 adults and 100 children, as we raise awareness on how to promote heart health and active lifestyles,” Mr Ndlovu said.
Mr Ndlovu is confident that this year’s event will be even bigger and better, aiming to surpass last year’s edition, which drew over 300 cyclists.