2015-08-05Staff Report 2 Swakopmund One of Namibia’s most sought-after sporting events, the annual premier coastal road race, the Lucky Star Marathon, has opened up to cyclists, and will this year include, amongst other cycling races, the first ever Fat Bike race in Namibia. The event will now be officially known as the Lucky Star Marathon & Cycle Tour and is slated for October 3. The race also serves as a qualifier for the Two Oceans and Comrades marathons. Since it started as the Dolphin Marathon way back in 1985, the Lucky Star Marathon has grown in leaps and bounds and currently ranks amongst Namibia’s top road events, with some of the country’s leading road runners joined by athletes from across the globe. Runners can participate in the full (42 km) race, the half-marathon (21 km) or the 10 km fun run. A special category for schools relay teams is a definite must for all learners. The addition of a multi-disciplinary cycling event offers cyclists the ideal opportunity to pit their skills against one another. The appeal of the event has always been its unique route, which winds its way through the scenic main road between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. This allows runners to enjoy the cold air from Atlantic Ocean on the one side, and the rolling dunes of the oldest desert in the world, the Namib, on the other side. Apart from the 105 km road race, 21 km mountain bike race and a 5 km kiddies’ fun ride, event organisers are excited about the first ever 21 km Fat Bike race, which is unique in that it follows a route that traverses sections of the Namib Desert with exhilarating dune rides. Etosha Fishing Company, the host and principal sponsor of the event, is excited about the evolution of the event to include an even wider range of sports enthusiasts. The main aim of the event is to promote community involvement and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, especially amongst the youth. As its flagship Corporate Social Investment project, Etosha Fishing every year sponsors runners from underprivileged schools from across Namibia with transport, accommodation and food, enabling them to take part in the event and spend a weekend at the coast. Adding to the family appeal, organisers have also changed the running routes, with all races to finish at the Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay, to coincide with the Walvis-Fees. Registrations are officially open and participants are encouraged to register online at www.etoshafish.com.na. Would-be entrants can get information regarding the change of the route and should familiarise themselves with further details on the website. For more information contact Charlene Hartung at 064-215 600. 2015-08-05Staff Report 2
