The organisers of the Navachab Half-Marathon announced yesterday their intention to utilise this year’s race as a means to promote awareness and advocate for suicide prevention in Namibia. Coinciding with International Suicide Prevention Month, Mclyn Kasale, the Public Relations Officer for Navachab, views the marathon as an important opportunity to confront the increasing issue of suicide within the nation.

“We believe with the number of people participating, it’s a great opportunity to also promote a campaign against suicide. The statistics in Namibia are shocking. We lose one person to suicide every day. Between 2020 and 2021, we lost around 1 500 people to suicide, which is a serious concern,” said Kasale.

This weekend’s race marks the 10th edition of the marathon, with more than 600 participants expected to compete in various categories. 

The final day for entries is today.

To enhance awareness, participants will don symbolic accessories throughout the race, intended to serve as a visual reminder to both runners and onlookers regarding the significance of mental health.

 “We want people to know that if they are going through mental or financial challenges, suicide is not the answer. There are places to turn to for help, and speaking out is the first step to being heard,” Kasale emphasised.

He said the marathon is intended for a global audience, as they seek to disseminate their message widely through social media and television broadcasts.

“We want to use this race as a platform to reach out to anyone going through tough times, and let them know there are avenues for help,” he added.

Prize money increased

During a press conference held yesterday, race director Bethold Karumendu, who also serves as a sports officer at the Erongo sport office, revealed that the prize money has been raised in comparison to prior years.

“I think it’s high time we moved to the elite level like other sports such as cricket, rugby, netball, and soccer… We are rewarding athletes with N$20 000 in both the men’s and women’s elite categories. This is not only for the elite runners, but also for the top 10 finishers in other categories, ensuring everyone takes home something,” he said.

This year, reigning champions Martha Shivolo and Jeremiah Shalixaxwe will be competing to defend their titles in the half-marathon event.

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na