The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) has announced sweeping new regulations that will require every athlete—whether a professional competitor or a casual fun runner—to pay an annual licence fee before taking part in any running event. The directive, which takes effect on 1 January 2026, has sparked debate and frustration within the athletics community.
According to a circular issued on 27 September 2025, the new system makes it mandatory for all participants to secure a licence before registering for any official race. The annual licence is pegged at US$7.00 (approximately R130), which includes a US$4.00 levy allocated to the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).
The message from the athletics body is clear and uncompromising:
“No race organiser shall register an athlete who does not hold a valid annual licence.”
For those who do not compete regularly, NAAZ has provided the option of a temporary licence. However, this will come at a higher cost of US$10.00 (about R185) per event, making it less appealing for occasional participants.
The circular also outlines penalties for non-compliance. Race organisers, coaches, and clubs who fail to enforce the rules risk facing fines. Repeat violations could result in a total ban from all athletics activities.
Zimbabwe Athletics Introduces Compulsory Annual Licence Fee for All Runners
The directive is not merely an initiative of the athletics body. The circular stresses that the move has the full support of the state through the Sports and Recreation Commission.
“The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has received this directive on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe,” the announcement reads.
By positioning the measure as a government-endorsed regulation, NAAZ has signalled that enforcement will be strict and that no exceptions will be tolerated.
While the authorities insist the policy is designed to improve the structure and accountability of athletics in the country, the reaction from the running community has been overwhelmingly negative. Many athletes, especially casual runners, feel the new fee unfairly penalises those who participate for health, recreation, or charitable causes.Tinashe Moyo, a Harare-based runner, vented his anger online. He posted:
“With effect from 1 January 2026, all athletes must pay an annual licence fee of US$7.00 (inclusive of SRC Levy of US$4.00) in order to participate in any athletics event in Zimbabwe—whether a fun run, social run, or any other competitive or recreational 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 frustration. Sarah Jones, a runner from Bulawayo, questioned the timing of the decision, citing the ongoing economic struggles facing many Zimbabweans.
“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 slogan emerging from the directive is stark: “No Licence, No Race.” Under the new framework, every running event—from elite marathons to short community fun runs—falls under the same rules. Organisers who attempt to allow unlicensed runners risk heavy penalties, creating a system where enforcement will fall squarely on the shoulders of clubs and race officials.
The annual licence is being presented as a way to standardise athletics, improve accountability, and provide a formal record of all participants. However, critics fear that the cost, though modest on paper, could discourage widespread participation, especially in rural areas where recreational running is already underfunded.
For competitive athletes, the annual fee may simply become another necessary expense alongside race registrations and training costs. But for recreational runners, the added financial hurdle could reduce participation in social runs, charity events, and school-based races.
Athletics coaches have also raised concerns. Some believe the new regulation will discourage young people from joining running clubs, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds who cannot afford the fee. Others worry about the long-term effect on community events, which often depend on large participation numbers to raise funds.
With just over three months before the rules come into effect, both runners and organisers are bracing for the changes. NAAZ has urged all stakeholders to prepare for compliance and provided further details through its website, www.naaz.org.zw.
The directive concludes with a firm warning:“All stakeholders are required to ensure strict compliance with the above regulations.”
As Zimbabwe prepares to roll out this new system, the athletics community remains divided. Supporters argue that the policy will help bring structure and much-needed resources to the sport, while critics see it as an unnecessary tax that risks eroding the culture of running for health, community, and fun.
The true test will come in January 2026, when the first runners attempt to register under the new rules. Until then, debates are set to continue about whether the compulsory licence will strengthen athletics in Zimbabwe—or drive away the very people it hopes to regulate.
Source- iHarare
