By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Preparations are gathering pace for the 2026 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup and Multisport Festival at Troutbeck Resort, with Bonaqua marking its 12th consecutive year as title sponsor of Zimbabwe’s premier triathlon spectacle.
Set for 14 March 2026 at the picturesque Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga, the event once again places Zimbabwe at the heart of continental endurance sport.
Bonaqua’s enduring commitment has been instrumental in transforming triathlon from a niche pursuit into one of the country’s fastest-growing sporting disciplines — nurturing elite talent, inspiring first-time athletes and positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive destination on the international calendar.
This year’s edition promises to build on that legacy with renewed energy and a broader vision for what Zimbabwean sport can achieve.
Importantly, Bonaqua will not stand alone in 2026. Schweppes Zimbabwe has announced the introduction of Powerade onto the local market, unveiling a next-generation sports drink designed to fuel athletes before, during and after competition.
Together, Bonaqua and Powerade present a complete hydration solution — pairing pure, trusted water with sport-specific performance fuel tailored for the rigours of elite competition.
The ambition is bold yet clear: to establish the most innovative and connected sports hydration portfolio in Zimbabwe, serving every athlete — from Olympic hopefuls to weekend warriors — with precisely what their bodies need to perform at their peak.
The Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup carries significant international weight. Sanctioned by Africa Triathlon and World Triathlon, the event offers valuable world-ranking points that contribute toward Olympic qualification for elite competitors, ensuring a strong field and fierce competition.
Beyond the headline Africa Cup races, the weekend will unfold as the Bonaqua Troutbeck Multisport Festival, featuring a diverse and inclusive programme:
African Cross-Triathlon (Off-Road) Championship
Cimas Corporate Triathlon Challenge
Zimbabwe Triathlon Championships
Tri-Kidz and Trisports races
Aquathlon (run-swim-run)
Open Water Swim
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare, organisers confirmed that preparations include expanded race categories, enhanced athlete safety and wellness protocols, and increased community participation — reinforcing the event’s reputation for professionalism and inclusivity.
Triathlon Zimbabwe credited Bonaqua’s long-term sponsorship as a cornerstone of the sport’s growth, noting its role not only in athlete development but also in stimulating sports tourism and raising the country’s international sporting profile.
Bonaqua, part of the Coca-Cola system, continues to champion hydration as a critical pillar of endurance performance, producing high-quality drinking water that meets the demands of elite competition. The addition of Powerade strengthens that commitment, signalling a new era in performance support for Zimbabwean athletes.
Organisers also acknowledged the continued backing of key partners — African Sun, CFAO Motors, Cimas, EcoCash and Rooneys — whose support ensures the event’s ongoing success.
With less than a month to race day, momentum is building. As the countdown to 14 March begins, all roads lead to Troutbeck for what promises to be a landmark edition of Zimbabwe’s flagship triathlon festival — where endurance, ambition and performance hydration will converge on one of Africa’s most scenic sporting stages.
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