Zimbabwe’s athletics community is facing a major shake-up following the introduction of a new annual licence fee that all runners—whether elite competitors or casual fun runners—will be required to pay before taking part in any organised event.
The measure, announced by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) in a circular dated 27 September 2025, will come into force on 1 January 2026. The directive makes it clear that no athlete will be allowed to participate in races without first purchasing a licence.
According to the circular, the annual fee has been set at US$7.00 (about R130), which includes a US$4.00 levy for the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC). Race organisers, clubs, and coaches have been warned that they are legally barred from registering unlicensed athletes, with the circular stating bluntly: “No race organiser shall register an athlete who does not hold a valid annual licence.”
Zimbabwe Introduces New Athletics Licence Fee, Sparking Outcry Among Runners
For athletes who do not compete regularly or only enter occasional events, a temporary licence option will be available. However, this comes at a higher cost of US$10.00 (R185). The structure effectively encourages athletes to commit to the annual licence even if they only plan to run once or twice a year.
In addition, the directive outlines penalties for organisers and clubs who fail to enforce the rule. “Race organisers, clubs, and coaches who violate these statutory regulations are liable to a fine. Repeat offences may result in a ban from all athletics activities,” the circular warns.
The government, through the SRC, has thrown its full weight behind the new policy. “The Sports and Recreation Commission has received this directive on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe,” the circular reads, reinforcing that this is not simply an athletics body’s initiative but one sanctioned at the highest levels of sports administration.
The announcement has triggered widespread debate and anger within the running community. While some acknowledge the potential benefits of improved regulation, many runners feel the fee represents an unnecessary burden, particularly in the current economic climate.
Tinashe Moyo, a Harare-based recreational runner, took to social media to voice his frustration:
“With effect from 1 January 2026, all athletes must pay an annual licence fee of US$7 in order to participate in any athletics event in Zimbabwe—whether a fun run, social run, or competitive race. This is just another way to tax ordinary people. I run for my health, not for a trophy. Why must I pay US$7 to join a charity fun run? Hazvina musoro (It doesn’t make sense).”
Others echoed his sentiments, arguing that the policy risks discouraging people from staying active. Sarah Jones, a recreational runner from Bulawayo, questioned the timing of the new regulation. “With the economy as it is, an extra US$7 is a lot for many families. This will stop people from being active. It’s very disappointing,” she said.
The new regulations also shift significant responsibility onto race organisers and athletics clubs. Failure to enforce the licensing requirement could attract fines or even bans, effectively forcing organisers to turn away unlicensed participants regardless of the nature of the event.
This has sparked concern among organisers of charity runs and small community events, who fear the licensing rules could reduce turnout and dampen enthusiasm. Smaller races, often reliant on grassroots participation, may face the difficult choice of enforcing the licence rule or risking penalties from NAAZ and the SRC.
While NAAZ has yet to issue a detailed public explanation, supporters of the new system argue that the licensing fee could improve accountability and create a database of registered athletes. The funds raised may help support athletics development programmes, enhance event organisation, and strengthen anti-doping efforts.
Proponents also claim that aligning Zimbabwe with international athletics licensing systems could make it easier for local athletes to transition into global competition. However, critics counter that the blanket application of the fee—covering everyone from Olympians to weekend joggers—ignores the realities of grassroots sport.
From 1 January 2026, anyone wishing to take part in an official athletics event in Zimbabwe—whether a marathon, half-marathon, 10km charity race, or even a local fun run—must hold either:
A valid annual licence (US$7.00, including the SRC levy), or
A temporary licence (US$10.00 per event).
Without this documentation, athletes will not be allowed to register or participate. Organisers are required to check licences before accepting entries, and repeat non-compliance could see organisers barred from hosting future races.
The coming months are likely to see continued debate over the new fee as athletes, organisers, and policymakers weigh its potential benefits against the risk of excluding casual participants. With Zimbabwe’s economy still struggling and household budgets stretched, the policy may prove unpopular unless accompanied by visible improvements in athletics administration and infrastructure.
For now, the message from the authorities is clear: “No Licence, No Race.”
Whether this ushers in a more professional era for Zimbabwean athletics or sparks long-term resentment among runners will become clear once the system takes effect in 2026.
Source- iHarare
