The Challenge:
To raise money for the all branches of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Zimbabwe. This is achieved by folk who volunteer to secure sponsorship from Donors for them to Cycle-Walk-Run or Horse Ride from one of the lowest points in Zimbabwe The Save – Runde Confluence 170m asl to the highest point Mt Nyangani 2592m asl. The History
The Event was conceived from an
argument that Colin Anderson, the founder had in a bar in 1990 about the location of the lowest point in Zimbabwe. This led Colin to search through maps & find that it was at the Save-Runde confluence, Mahenya (170 meters above sea level), in the South East Lowveld. The dramatic contrast in scenery between the highest point, Mt. Nyangani (2,593 meters above sea level) & the lowest point & the rounded figure of 500km between the two inspired Colin to establish an endurance event for walkers & cyclists a number of years later. In 1996 the Blue Cross was born with the purpose of raising money for the SPCA’s in Zimbabwe, with 8 walkers & 16 cyclists setting off from the dusty lowveld taking on a challenge never previously attempted. Since then the event has grown in popularity with entrants being attracted from at home & abroad to experience the adventure & challenge of the event, much of which stems from each individual or team’s ability to take on the terrain with the benefit of thorough pre-planning, equipping and preparation. Each individual or team must be completely self sufficient as there are very few filling stations or lodgings en route and no water points are provided. Over the years the event rules have been relaxed to provide for those with no more than a modicum of fitness to be able to participate as a relay team, with members taking as long or as short a time as they wish to complete the 500kms provided that they reach the Mt Inyangani car park on the appointed day. The disciplines have also been broadened to include horse-riding, off-road walking/running and cycling (Brown Cross), and the full range of disciplines on a mini Blue/Brown Cross Option from Mutare to Mt Inyangani for those with less time to spare. There are no winners or losers in the Blue Cross. All participants completing either the 500km route or the Mini Blue Cross receive an award with the Datvest Floating Trophy being awarded to the participant who raises the most sponsorship. Since then the event has grown in popularity with entrants being attracted from local & abroad to experience the adventure & challenge of the event.
