Zimbabwean athlete Royal Mabika is preparing to participate in the Manchester Marathon on April 27, running not just for personal achievement but to raise funds for school fees for children in Zaka Jerera, rural Zimbabwe—a cause close to his heart.

Mabika’s inspiration came from a UK-based friend working for Puma, who funded school fees for several Zimbabwean children. Motivated by this act of kindness, Mabika embraced the challenge of running the marathon to make a larger impact.

“The funds I raise will go directly into the school account chosen by the sponsors. All I’m doing is running,” Mabika explained.

Despite recently recovering from an injury sustained in Abu Dhabi, Mabika is resolute in his mission to empower orphans and vulnerable children in Zaka Jerera through education, believing, “When you empower someone with education, you empower the whole village.”

His philanthropic efforts have caught the attention of the British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, an avid runner himself. The two plan to meet on January 29 to discuss organizing a local event in partnership with the British embassy to inspire communities and highlight the transformative power of sport. Mabika, now focused on sports development full-time, is also exploring ways to enhance Zimbabwe’s sporting landscape by organizing world-class running events and fostering international partnerships in tourism and sports talent development.