Excitement is building in Walvis Bay as preparations gain momentum for the Namport Nedbank Powerhouse Challenge taking place on 1 to 2 November.

The two-day multisport spectacle, hosted by the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) in partnership with Nedbank Namibia and the Powerhouse Cycling Club, follows the success of the event’s debut earlier this year in Lüderitz, with organisers promising the Walvis Bay edition to be bigger, faster and more competitive.

Athletes from across Namibia are expected to descend on the coastal town to test their endurance across running and cycling categories. The programme includes a 21 kilometre (km) half marathon, 10km and 5km fun runs, 70km and 30 km mountain bike races and 100 and 50 kilometre road races. All cycling events will be held under the sanction of the Namibian Cycling Federation.

Namport’s manager for marketing and stakeholder engagement, Cliff Shikuambi, said the event reflects Namport’s wider commitment to promoting wellness and community development beyond its core operations.

“Beyond its role as Namibia’s maritime gateway, Namport’s involvement in this multisport event reflects our commitment to nation-building, wellness and stakeholder engagement,” he said.

For Powerhouse Cycling Club’s João da Costa, the event is a meaningful opportunity to grow local participation in sport.

“This partnership enables us to further our mission of growing cycling in Namibia and creating more opportunities for youth and community engagement through sport,” he said.

Nedbank Namibia head of marketing and communications, Gernot de Klerk, described the partnership as a natural fit for the bank’s social investment vision.

“As money experts who do good, Nedbank Namibia is proud to support initiatives that promote health, unity and sustainable growth,” he said, adding that the event serves as a build-up to the Nedbank Desert Dash in December.