By Staff Reporter
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 W3llness 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 W3llness 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.
Addressing journalists at a press conference at the Group’s Borrowdale Office Park,
offices yesterday, Cimas Health Group’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Vuli Ndlovu, said
Pedal to W3llness 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 W3llness 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
finishers medal.
Mr Ndlovu said the online registration to participate at Pedal to W3llness opened last
week on Wednesday, 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
W3llness which provides numerous health benefits,” Mr Ndlovu said.
“Through Pedal to W3llness, our aim is 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 routes
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 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 is size of a fist and is the strongest
muscle in the body. However, it can become vulnerable from behavioural risk factors like
a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, 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 a 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 W3llness 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 W3llness is a not to be missed cycling event that unites cycling enthusiasts,
families, and individuals eager to embrace a healthier lifestyle. This year our aim is 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.
