The First National Bank – FNB – Zambia has announced that it has set aside ZMW 100, 000 in prize money for the winners of the FNB KOPALA 10 kilometres road run that will see thousands of runners and walkers unite on Saturday, 29 July 2023 in Kitwe, Zambia to champion health and wellness.
Over 2,500 runners and walkers are expected to unite to celebrate the uniqueness of the iconic city of Kitwe capital of the Copperbelt Province earmarked to hold this event which is the first of its kind.
Speaking in Lusaka at the launch of the inaugural FNB Kopala 10K run, attended by the Zambian Business Times -ZBT, FNB Zambia Chief Executive Officer, Bydon Longwe said, the ZMW 100 000 Prize Purse for the inaugural FNB Kopala 10K is an added incentive for runners to train hard and give their all on event day.
Longwe disclosed that some professional local, regional, and international athletes that have already signed up for the FNB Kopala 10K to break records or continue their training streaks for other big running events.
The Top Ten finishers in the Open Men’s and Women’s Categories will secure their share in prize money. The Men’s and Women’s winners will each take home ZMW 10 000 while the Runners up will receive ZMW 7 000 and third place finishers ZMW 5 000 each.
The Top Five Junior Men and Women will also be rewarded for their efforts, with the male and female winners each securing ZMW 3 000.
Junior runners up will receive ZMW 1 500, with third place finishers taking home ZMW 1 000. “Further, we are proud to confirm that prize money has also been allocated to the top three finishers in the following age categories: 40 – 49 years men and women, 30 – 59 years men and women, 60 – 69 years men and women, 70+ years men and women and 80+ men and women”, Mr. Longwe added.
“At FNB, we are committed to championing health and wellness and would like to encourage all Kitwe residents, the rest of the Copperbelt and Zambia at large, our customers and employees to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle. We are particularly pleased that this run will be inclusive with children as young as 9 years old being able to participate and get a finishers medal. We are also pleased to announce Trade Kings and Garden Court Hotel as our partners as we collaborate to host the Copperbelt’s biggest wellness event”, Mr. Longwe concluded.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia Athletics President Elias Mpondela disclosed that three elite athletics namely; Jackson Kashiya, Michelo Siabwacha and Elizabeth Mukoloma will be representing the Zambia athletics.
In a speech ready on his behalf by his vice President Bernard Bwalya, Mpondela said the race will also boost the economy on the Copperbelt as the general public especially the people on the Copperbelt will benefit through the hotel industry, transport industry, food and logistics and tourism.
Meanwhile, Youth, Sport & Arts Minister Elvis Nkandu applauded FNB Zambia for organising such a significant event and encouraged all citizens whether seasoned athletes or beginners to come in large numbers and support this great initiative.
He noted that the highly anticipated FNB KOPALA 10k marathon will be the Copperbelt’s biggest event that will collectively promote good health and wellness of the people.
“As the minister in charge of sports development, I firmly believe in the power of sports to bring people together and foster a sense of unity. The 3 FNB KOPALA 10k marathon is a testament to that belief, as we bring together athletes, enthusiasts, and members of the community to participate in a thrilling race through the streets of Kitwe. The FNB KOPALA 10k marathon is not just about the race itself, but about the experiences, connections, and lifelong memories that it will create. Let’s make KOPALA great with the FNB KOPALA 10k run.” Added Nkandu.
The FNB Kopala 10K will start on Freedom Avenue in Kitwe at 08:00hrs for the 10Km race and 08:15hrs for the 5Km one and end at the same place. Entrants for the 10Km run must be 14 years or older on race day, or 9 years or older for the 5Km Fun Run. Registration and payment run from 9 May to 24 July 2023, and can be done on the event website www.FNBKopala10K.com at the following fees:
● 10KM Run / ZMW 195 per person
● 5km Fun Run / ZMW 145 per person
