One of Rössing National Marathon’s most accomplished athletes and nine-time champion Alina Armas will be returning to the marathon this year.
She first participated in the competition in 2011, taking part in the 10-kilometre race and winning for two consecutive years before stepping up to do her first marathon (42.2km) in 2013, which she won with a time of 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Armas described her first marathon victory as one of the most joyful milestones of her running career, having also set a personal best.
“The Rössing Marathon is one of the best-organised races. The development bonus awarded to champions makes a real difference. I use it to buy training gear,
support my family and sometimes assist fellow runners who need equipment. It also helps me prepare for international competitions. In 2025, when I travelled to Japan, I bought quality gear using the support I received from Rössing,” said Armas.
In 2016, she shared a milestone few couples experience, emerging victorious alongside her husband as marathon champions. The double victory remains one of the highlights of her career and personal life.
“That was the best experience for us as a newly married couple,” she said.
Despite growing up with running as a constant in her life, Armas never saw herself running marathons. However, the 42.2km distance eventually won her over and has since become the race she enjoys most.
Now preparing to defend her 2025 title, Armas began her training programme in January and says she feels confident heading into this year’s edition.
“I am ready to defend my title. I want to wish all runners the very best, train hard, set your pace, run your race and most importantly and have fun,” she said.
The 35th edition of the Rössing National Marathon celebrates the event’s longstanding contribution to athletics development in Namibia, drawing both seasoned competitors and recreational participants from across the country and beyond.