WINDHOEK – Oshakati will play host to the opening leg of the 14th edition of the annual Old Mutual Victory Race Series at the Oshakati Independence Stadium on June 4.
The 2nd leg of the four-legged road race series takes place in Swakopmund on June 28, with Keetmanshoop hosting the 3rd leg on July 12. The decisive final leg of the race is slated for Windhoek at the Jan Mohr Senior Secondary School on July 26.
Old Mutual has this year availed a handsome amount of N$750 000 that includes financial rewards for the various winners in their respective categories. Overall winners in the men and women’s senior categories are guaranteed N$15 000 each, while 2nd place finishers will take a consolation prize of N$10 000 with 3rd placed athletes each receiving N$5 000 for their efforts.
As has become customary practice, the overall winners in the senior categories will each receive an all-expenses paid trip to participate in the annual Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa. For the 21-km race, the winner will pocket N$1 700 and the runner-up N$1 000, with the 3rd, 4th and 5th placed finishers taking home N$800, N$600 and N$450 in that order.
In the 5-km race, the winner will pocket N$700 with N$550, N$450, N$400 and N$300 set aside for the 2nd up to the 5th placed finishers, in that sequence.
Taking a bold step towards addressing social imbalances and adding value to the series, race organizes have this year introduced a 5-km fun walk for athletes with disabilities. The athletes will be divided in various age groups ranging from U/15-19, U/20-30 and another group for disabled athletes above the age of 40.
Old Mutual CEO, Gim Victor, said they have for the past 14 years committed over N$4.2 million to the annual road race, which has not only made it possible for local athletes to compete beyond the country’s borders but also given local athletes the opportunity to showcase their athletic ability in the 4-legged series that winds its way through four major towns in Namibia.
By Otniel Hembapu