Over two thousand participants of all ages showed up on Saturday for the second edition of the Bank Windhoek Red Run. 

The event was hosted at the Ramblers Sports Club in Windhoek. 

With N$60 000 prize money up for grabs, the runners ran across three different distances: five, 10 and 21 kilometres (km). 

They ranged from novices to elite, including several Comrades Marathon medallists. 

The participants represented various age categories: open, junior, veteran, master and
grandmaster. 

Led by their coach, the national football team, Brave Warriors, used the occasion to run a few kilometres as they continue their preparations to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The male 21km category saw fierce competition. Jeremia Shaliaxwe finished the race at an impressive time of 01:14:14. 

Tomas Rainhold followed closely, finishing at 01:14:41. Julian Fryman completed the race at 01:17:46, earning the third position. 

Martha Shivolo won the female 21km category, finishing the race at 01:22:28. 

Salmi Nduviteko finished at 01:24:54, earning second. 

Adri van Wyk completed the race in 01:44:12, securing the third position. 

Shivolo, a long-distance runner since 2005, agreed with other runners that the cold weather was challenging.

 However, she said she was pleased with her performance.

In the male 10km category, Wilhelm Hangula emerged as the winner, clocking in at an impressive 00:34:03. Following closely behind was Geson Koper, who secured the second place with a time of 00:34:18. Stephanus Kaudinge also finished with a time of 00:34:18, earning him the third place. 

Hangula said winning is always an outstanding achievement. 

“There is no easy race. The hills and downward turns can be challenging, but winning is a great achievement. This event motivates other aspiring athletes who want to train,” he said.

The female 10km category was equally competitive. Tuuliki Angala claimed the top spot with a time of 00:40:51. 

Ivonne Shelikita finished in second place, just two seconds behind, with a time of 00:40:53. 

Fredrika Katshuna rounded out the top three with a time of 00:44:01. 

Angala said that although she had previously been injured, she completed the race, which helped her return to her running routine. 

Member of the Namibian Defence Force Running Club Anna Amutoko was awarded first place in the female veteran 10km race. 

“I enjoyed the run despite the cold winds throughout the early morning. I am happy with my achievement and look forward to participating in next year’s run,” she said.

Bank Windhoek’s executive officer of marketing and corporate communication services Jacquiline Pack extended gratitude to the participants, sponsors, volunteers and community partners who made the event successful. 

“As a homegrown bank, we remain committed to implementing initiatives that foster community, wellness and support for local causes,” she said.