Jesaya and Armas crowned national marathon champions

The 2025 Rössing National Marathon Championship saw history made on Saturday as debut runner Jesaya Matheus and veteran champion Alina Armas secured the coveted national men’s and women’s marathon titles, respectively.Jesaya (Namibia Correctional Services), who won the marathon at his first attempt, stunned the competition with an impressive time of 2 hours 15 minutes 53 seconds, finishing more than two minutes ahead of last year’s winning time (Thomas Rainhold, 2:18:18). Armas, a seasoned runner and member of the Namibian Defence Force, claimed her tenth national marathon title, finishing the 42 km race in just over 2 hours 45 minutes – shaving approximately one minute off last year’s winning time.Crossing the finish line in energetic fashion, Jesaya expressed his satisfaction with the race. “It was a good run. I am grateful for the experience and look forward to more competitions,” he said.The 41-year-old Armas, a former Olympian in 2016, was elated after her record tenth victory, crediting her strong performance to her training and faith. She was the overall eighth runner over the line.“I thank God for this achievement and for the favourable conditions that helped me push through the race,” she said.Both athletes will be N$40 000 richer for their win. This includes N$20 000 prize money and N$20 000 development bonus, each.Lavinia Haitope, the 2024 women’s marathon winner in 2:43:11, on Saturday comfortably won the 10 km race.Beautiful weatherNow in its 34th consecutive year, the Rössing Marathon attracted seasoned and amateur runners from across the country. This year’s theme, ‘Run Your Own Race’, saw 3 000 participants and an unprecedented number of spectators.Johan Coetzee, managing director of the mine, said: “The beautiful weather conditions contributed to making this our biggest marathon to date in 34 years. I’ve been very happy with the turnout. Looking to next year, when Rössing Uranium reaches the 50-year mark, we intend to go even bigger and better.” Beyond the competition, the Rössing Marathon plays a key role in the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. The event featured a full marathon (42.2 km), a half-marathon (21.1 km) and a 10 km race, alongside a 5 km fun walk supporting the Cancer Association of Namibia.Adding to the marathon’s growing international presence, Coetzee highlighted the simultaneous virtual marathon held in China, where over 50 000 participants joined the race. “This event aligns with our core values, ensuring that we engage with the community while contributing towards a broader impact,” he noted.Top results42.2 km men: 1 Jesaya Matheus (2:15:53), 2 Tangeni Sakaria (2:16:30), 3 Enock Haufiku (2:19:31), 4 Wilhelm Hangula (2:21:31), 5 Paulus Iyambo (2:27:46).42.2 km women: 1 Alina Armas (2:45:32), 2 Beata Naigambo (3:03:23), 3 Risa Dreyer-Burger (3:23:06), 4 Jolyndé Human (3:28:57), 5 Jocelle Wessels (3:35:52).21.1 km men: 1 Simon Paulus (1:03:49), 2 Fule Jerusalem Hamutima (1:08:52), 3 Vilho Paulus (1:09:16). 21.1 km women: 1 Ndahambelela Shelikita (1:12:39), 2 Beata Jeremia (1:17:10), 3 Lucia Andrek (1:17:41).10 km men: 1 Jeremia Shaliaxwe (30:43), 2 Lisias Tiofelius (30:53), 3 Megameno Mateus (31:40).10 km women: 1 Lavinia Haitope (34:05), 2 Shipolo Ndeshilila Shiyukifeni (39:27), 3 Sofia Kakonda (40:38).

Jesaya and Armas crowned national marathon champions

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Jesaya and Armas crowned national marathon champions

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