ABOUT RIOT

RIOT Zim is an inclusive running club in Zimbabwe that started with a simple realization: running together does more for our minds than our bodies. We are a movement for mental wellness and community through every mile.

How it started

RIOT began in 2021 as a small group of friends meeting for weekly runs in Harare. 

We quickly realized that the road provided a safe space for people to clear their heads, share their struggles, and find a supportive community.

What started as a local crew has transformed into a nationwide movement. Today, we are proud to be the most inclusive running club in Zimbabwe, welcoming runners of all paces and proving that every mile is a step toward better mental wellness.

The RIOT Way

VISION

To inspire a healthier Zimbabwe where every person has access to a supportive community for mental wellness and physical fitness through running. 

To create a nationwide movement that connects people through fitness, provides mental health support, and nurtures athletic talent across every city and town in Zimbabwe.

  • Community: Building a shared purpose through signature events and local chapters.
  • Wellness: Prioritizing mental health by partnering with professionals and providing member resources.
  • Growth: Nurturing talent to transition runners from casual community laps to competitive racing.
  • Inclusivity: Ensuring a safe, welcoming space for runners of all paces and backgrounds.

More Than Just a Run

Unlike a general fitness group, RIOT Zim is built on the belief that Running Is Our Therapy. We provide a safe space for runners in Zimbabwe and abroad to clear their heads, share struggles, and find a family on the road. Whether you are chasing a personal best or just looking for a reason to step out of bed, we run together.

Become Part of the Pack

Ready to Run With Us?

  • All Paces, One Pack: Whether you are a “couch-to-5k” beginner or a Comrades pro, you will never run alone. We celebrate every finish line.
  • Mental Wellness First: We run for our minds as much as our bodies. RIOT Zim is a safe space to build resilience, clarity, and community.
  • Join the Movement: Access our weekly training schedules, group runs, and signature events across Zimbabwe. Join our WhatsApp channel for instant updates.
  • Exclusive Member Benefits: Join our official membership for discounted race rates, access to members-only training sessions, and an invitation to our annual RIOT Dinner & Awards Ceremony.

Join Us

Find Our Next Run
Join Our WhatsApp Channel

Member Stories

“I joined RIOT in 2021 when a half marathon felt like a dream. Since then, my half marathon time has gone from 2:40 to 1:36, my marathon best is 3:35, and I’ve completed two Comrades Marathons with Robert Mtshali medals. RIOT has been more than a club – it’s family, therapy, and a community that turns consistency into results and runners into stronger people.”
Absolom Goredema
RIOT Athlete
“I joined RIOT in 2022, and my running transformed. Before joining, a full marathon took me over 3 hours. Now I run sub‑3 marathons, have completed more than 10 full marathons, and earned two Comrades silver medals. RIOT also supported me financially, helping me compete in both Comrades and the 56km Two Oceans Ultra, where I earned two more silver medals. RIOT didn’t just improve my running — it unlocked my potential.”
Davison Madzivanyika
RIOT Athlete
“RIOT is a game changer. They didn’t just help me improve — they believed in me enough to sponsor my first Comrades Marathon. With their support and motivation, I achieved goals I once thought impossible. RIOT is the club you join when you’re ready to dream bigger.”
Langelihle Ndlovu
RIOT Athlete
“I joined RIOT in 2023 with no marathon experience. My first marathon took 6:12 — I came in last. With RIOT’s support, I’ve now completed seven marathons, earned a 4:56 Comrades qualifier, and pushed myself to a 57km long run. RIOT helped me become a runner I never imagined I could be.”
Semina Masundire
RIOT Athlete
“When I joined RIOT in 2023, I weighed 116kg and could only dream of running a marathon. Today I’m 87kg, consistently running sub‑4 marathons, and have completed major races like Two Oceans, Comrades, ABSA Zambia, and Soweto. RIOT helped me lose weight, gain confidence, and become an endurance runner.”
Irvin
RIOT Athlete
"I joined RIOT in 2022 as a solo runner with a 'mission impossible' dream: the 90km Comrades Marathon. Through Coach Tafadzwa’s guidance and the club’s overwhelming patience during my first 50km ultra, I transformed into a resilient athlete. Today, I am a proud 3x Comrades and 3x Two Oceans finisher. Now authoring my book, 'Becoming Cde Lilian', I credit my flourishing resilience to the RIOT family. As we say: 'Kana wakatrainer zvako, 90km paseri apo!'"
Lilian Chivasa
RIOT Athlete

Key Milestones

2021: The Spark

Where it all began. RIOT hit the pavement in Harare with a single mission: to prove that running is as much about mental clarity as it is about physical miles. What started as a small group of like-minded runners quickly ignited a movement that redefined the local running scene.

2022: Running for a Cause

Miles with Meaning. We launched our first official fundraising event, turning our sweat into support. By leveraging our collective miles, we raised vital funds for mental wellness initiatives and community projects, proving that this club runs for something much bigger than ourselves.

2023: 500+ Strong

The Pack Grows. We officially crossed the milestone of 500+ active members across our platforms. What began as a local Harare crew transformed into a national powerhouse, connecting runners from all walks of life under one banner.

2024: Expanding the Map

No Borders. RIOT officially expanded its footprint to Beitbridge and Bulawayo, bringing our unique energy to new streets. We also solidified partnerships with leading local wellness brands, ensuring our members have the best support system in the country.

2025: Chasing Elite Standards​

The Big Leagues. We leveled up. RIOT became a certified hub for serious athletes, establishing official routes for Comrades and Two Oceans qualifiers. We aren’t just running anymore; we are training champions and conquering the world’s most iconic ultramarathons.

2026: Our Digital Home​

Always Connected. We officially launched the RIOT Website—a central hub for our community to track routes, join events, and stay inspired. Our digital presence now matches our pace on the road, keeping the “Pack” connected 24/7.

Safety & Community Guidelines

Safety First

We run in groups; no one is left behind. Wear reflective gear for night runs.

We are a safe space for all backgrounds and fitness levels.

Listen to your body; we prioritize wellness over competition.

“We run together, support each other, and grow as one.”

RIOT Zimbabwe Running CLUB