Namibian long-distance runners Paulus Daniel, Jesaya Matheu, Kronelius Nghiliyendele, Shiivomwene Shilongo, Matias Simon, Jeremia Shaliaxwe, and Lavinia Haitope, all coached by Robert Kaxuxuena, are gearing up to compete in the Dorings Kimberley Bighole Marathon, set for 22 November.
The race will start at 05h30 from the Sol Plaatjie University Sports Grounds in Kimberley, Northern Cape, and promises to attract elite runners from across southern Africa.
The event will feature several race categories, including the 42.2 km, 21.1 km half-marathon, 10 km, and 5 km distances, catering to both professional athletes and amateur runners. This year’s marathon offers substantial prize money, with the winner of the 42.2 km race walking away with N$200 000, while second place earns N$70 000, and third place takes home N$30 000.
The fourth and fifth finishers will receive N$20 000 and N$10 000 respectively, while those finishing sixth to 10th will each pocket N$5 000.
Speaking to New Era Sport, Daniel said he is ready to close off the season on a high note after a successful year on the road.
“I am feeling good and ready for the race. This will be my last marathon for the year, and I’m hoping to end on a strong note before returning next year stronger and better,” he said.
The 2025 season has indeed been a remarkable one for Daniel, who has consistently performed at the top level in both domestic and regional races. He finished second in the men’s half-marathon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon in Gqeberha, South Africa, clocking 1:01:51, a personal best that reaffirmed his elite status on the continent.
He also claimed victory in the 10 km elite category at the Nedbank Citi Dash in Windhoek with an impressive time of 29:19 and went on to win the 21km men’s race at the AUSC Region 5 Half Marathon in Tshwane, South Africa, in 1:04:12.
On home soil, Daniel triumphed in the 10 km race at the QKR Navachab Half Marathon in Karibib, finishing in 29:51, further cementing his dominance in local road running.
However, his season was not without setbacks. Daniel’s ambitious attempt at the World Athletics Championships Marathon in Tokyo ended prematurely when he pulled out at the 36 km mark due to a hamstring injury. Despite that disappointment, he has bounced back strongly and is eager to end the year with a solid performance in Kimberley.
With his current form and confidence, all eyes will be on the Namibian marathoner as he takes on the gruelling 42.2 km race later this month, aiming to add another podium finish to his already impressive 2025 campaign.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na