Organiser and founder of the Navachab Half Marathon, Berthold Karumendu, said the event is edging closer to achieving its dream of becoming a recognised World Athletics (WA) competition.

Karumendu made the remarks this week after announcing that nine additional companies have come on board as sponsors, further boosting support for the annual marathon.

“I think I am closer to realising the dream I started 11 years ago when I first launched the half marathon. With nine companies now backing us, putting in resources and belief into this event, I can confidently say we are moving closer to our ultimate goal,” said Karumendu.

He explained that with increasing corporate support, the race now has a real shot at securing World Athletics bronze label status. Under WA regulations, half marathons must meet several requirements to earn this status, including hosting at least six male and six female elite athletes with bronze label (or higher) recognition, or having at least four nationalities represented among the elite runners.

“For men, elite athletes should have run 1:04:00 or faster in the past three years, while women need 1:15:00 or better. Another crucial factor is prize money and attracting international participation. While we haven’t received international entries this year, we have increased the prize purse significantly to meet those standards,” he added.

This year’s winners in the elite men’s and women’s categories will each receive N$20 000, while second and third place will receive N$15 000 and N$10 000, respectively. In the junior men’s and women’s divisions, the top three finishers will earn N$10 000, N$7 000, and N$5 000. For the veteran category, winners will claim N$7 000, with N$5 000 and N$3 000 set aside for the runners-up.

At the same event held at the NIDA building in the capital, Navachab Mine’s Tuafi Shafombambi encouraged locals to support the event. 

“It is going to be a huge one. We are asking the people of Karibib and the surrounding areas to come out in large numbers and participate in the marathon. As a special incentive, the first 30 people to finish will also get a tour of the mine,” she said.

Also weighing in, Karibib deputy mayor, Petrus Ntoni, highlighted the broader impact of the event. “This marathon is a big moment for our town. It will not only promote sport but also boost tourism and economic activity in Karibib over the weekend,” Ntoni said. -mkambukwe@nepc.com.na