By Wallace Mawire
Now in its third year the Ezekiel Guti walkathon initiated to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Apostle Ezekiel Guti is spreading like wildfire and growing from strength to strength each and every year. The walkathon is held every first weekend of May to celebrate the birthday of Apostle Guti who was born on 5 May. Initially held among other celebratory activities like a gospel cop concert featuring local and regional artists is now being held in various parts of the country, including in the other 175 countries in which the ZAOGA Forward ln Faith (FIF) is operational. Dubbed the Ezekiel H. Guti Day 5 May, the walkathon event features various activities like music, entertainment and aerobics sessions.
The walkathon covers 2,5 kilometres, 5 kilometres and 10 kilometres. Apostle Guti who passed away at the age of 100 lived up to that living a healthy lifestyle. He used to walk every morning in his home area of Chisipite in Harare. In Harare the walkathon end with hundreds of participants congregating at the Grange Primary School established by ZAOGA in Chisipite.
The participants each year engage in aerobic sessions in the school’s grounds. Also a gospel musical concert is held every year in May where outstanding musicians are awarded.
Archbishop Ezekiel Guti who was born on 5 May 1923 was declared a national hero and his remains were interred at a shrine in Bindura.