Namibia has sent a team of eight athletes for the first African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Marathon, scheduled to take place this weekend in Tshwane, South Africa.
This will be the first edition of the event, which aims to bring together long-distance runners from across the AUSC Region 5 countries. The marathon will feature races in the 21km, 10km, and 5km fun run categories, attracting both elite and recreational runners.
Namibia will be represented across various divisions, including para-athletes. The traveling athletes include seasoned runners such as Lavinia Haitope, Nyanyukweni Frans, Monika Kandjebo, Angeline Sihova, Daniel Paulus, Marthin Shikambe, Matt-Reece Isaaks, Roodly Gowaseb (T54), Merache Garoeb (T47), and Mohamed Uamburu.
Among the participants is Roodly Gowaseb, a T54 para-athlete, who expressed excitement about representing the country on the international stage.
“It caught me off guard; I didn’t expect to get the chance to compete abroad, but I am happy to represent my country, and I am fully ready. It won’t be easy, but I’m grateful that I have been training steadily, whether we have events coming up or not. I keep improving every day,” he said.
Winners in the men’s and women’s 21km categories will receive N$5 0000, while second and third-place finishers will earn N$20 000 and N$10 000, respectively. Meanwhile, winners of the 10km race will take home N$15 000, with N$7 000 and N$6 000 awarded to the runners-up. Additional prize money will also be awarded across divisions such as veterans, masters, and grandmasters, ensuring a wide distribution of recognition for outstanding performances.
Speaking at the official launch last week, Enoch Skosana, head of the organising committee, said preparations were well underway. “We are now at the final stretch of preparations, and our message is clear: secure your entry now before the 5 October closing date. Race pack collection will be hosted at the CT Hotel in Arcadia, opposite the Union Buildings, to make it convenient for all athletes,” he said.
He added, “We have prioritised participant safety, with law enforcement, traffic officials and medical services ensuring every runner, walker and spectator is safe along the routes. Security will be tight on and off the road, with medical points strategically placed for immediate support.”
Skosana shared that entry fees have been deliberately kept affordable to remove barriers to participation.
“Whether you are an elite athlete, developing runner or recreational participant, this event is priced with inclusion in mind. Every category, from the half-marathon to the shorter races, is structured to encourage participation,” he noted.
He added, “To add to that, the prize money offered is truly enticing. Athletes stand to gain not only national pride but also meaningful financial rewards. We urge runners and athletics organisations to seize this opportunity and make this first edition one of the most successful in Region 5 history.”
-Additional reporting Athletic South Africa (ASA)
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na