Big plans to grow WIndhoek Marathon

“Every big city in the world has a marathon and we would like to take the Vivo Energy Windhoek Marathon to that same level.”

The registration process for the second edition of the Vivo Energy Windhoek Marathon opened on 8 April and will close on 21 May, for the event set to happen on 25 May.

“The registrations are tracking well and we are on course to reach our target of getting more than 2000 athletes involved this year. We thank everybody that signed up so far and encourage more athletes and community members to do so,” urged Lazarus Nafidi, the Vivo Energy Namibia corporate communications manager.

At Friday's launch the company’s MD, Jaco van Rensburg, said employees pitched the idea to assist communities. “We are committed to this initiative for the long term and the challenge for us is to make it a huge event. We are not doing this for our benefit, but to make a difference in communities where there is a real need.”

Proceeds from the inaugural 2023 edition of the marathon secured donations of books to two community libraries in Katutura.

“This year the focus will be on water sanitation in Windhoek. We know there is a lot of strain on water resources and the city advised us to cut our water use. The funds we make will be properly funneled to the people who need it most,” said Van Rensburg.

He thanked the city of Windhoek, the police, the traffic department, emergency services and Athletics Namibia (AN) for supporting the event.

“This is also a qualifying event. One challenge we had, was to find a time slot that works for athletes, to make it part of their training to for instance participate in the Two Oceans and the Comrades marathons. AN assisted us with this aspect.”

Van Rensburg challenged more companies to get involved. “Vivo Energy already has 40 participants. I am challenging other corporates to step up and see if they can beat that number. Please join us and help us to make it as fun as possible while collecting funds for the needy.”

Lot Ndamanomhata, the PRO of AN, emphasised that the marathon is now a certified race.

“The routes are measured to be safe and compliant with AN rules and processes. This is done to ensure competitors participate in a safe space. The marathon also serves as a platform for Namibian and international athletes who want to prepare for other marathons and qualify for the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and the Olympics.”

Ndamanomhata said there is a lack of athletics activity due to the allocation of resources. He commended Vivo Energy for meeting AN halfway in providing athletes with a platform and activities to compete and possibly qualify for competitions outside the country. “We know that the Olympics will be hosted in Paris starting 26 July. A few of our athletes have qualified. The numbers are not that great and we hope some athletes will emerge for this platform.”

Ndamanomhata praised the company for putting forward a total prize pot of approximately N$200 000 for the event.

“This also presents an opportunity for schools and running clubs to build capacity and infrastructure. I suggest Vivo Energy and the City of Windhoek pen down a long-term commitment to ensure the continuation of the marathon for many years to come.”

The mayor of Windhoek, Queen Kamati, announced that Vivo Energy in collaboration with the City of Windhoek will provide access to water points in Windhoek. She also pledged N$50 000 from the Windhoek Residents Mayoral Trust toward this cause.

Kamati said she had registered for the 5 km race and challenged residents to participate in the marathon. She invited participants from far and wide to sign up for the marathon in support of the Windhoek Residents Mayoral Trust.

“Last year, N$160 000 was raised during the marathon and this was paid into the bank account of the Trust.

"We used some of this money to purchase 572 books and two computers donated to the Nathanael Maxuilili and Greenwell Matongo community libraries. The value of these donations amounted to N$112 000 and the remaining funds from the 2023 marathon will be distributed to other community projects and social welfare causes.”