Navachab half-marathon targets World Athletics recognition

The 11th Navachab Half-Marathon Challenge was launched yesterday in Windhoek. Organisers are aiming to professionalise the event within five years by securing World Athletics recognition.The race will be held in Karibib on 20 September in collaboration with the sports ministry and lead sponsor QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine, which has pledged N$345 000 in prize money.Under the theme “Your Best Time Is the Best,” the annual race welcomes all participants. Entrants can sign up for the 21 km and 10 km races for prizes, as well as the 5 km fun run, via https://www.easyreg.co.za/events/navachab-half-marathon-2025.Those without internet access may visit their local sports offices for assistance. The registration link will remain open until 16 September.RouteAccording to the registration site, all finishers will receive a medal and the first 200 entrants will each get a t-shirt.Speaking at the launch, race director and Erongo regional sport officer Bethold Karumendu confirmed that this year’s route will be the same as the tenth edition held last year.Participants started at the Husab location, passed the Engen Service Station and continued along the road to the hill on Navachab Road.The 21 km runners went 10.5 km there and back. The 10 km runners covered 5 km out and back, while the 5 km fun runners did 2.5 km each way.Getting professionalKarumendu shared that their long-term goal within four to five years is to professionalise the race by applying for a Label Race status from World Athletics.The labels recognise high standards in organisation, safety, athlete experience and elite competition.They were formerly known by tiers such as Bronze, Silver and Gold, with newer designations like Elite and Elite Platinum now in place.“In June this year, we benchmarked by attending the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon in South Africa to identify improvements we could make domestically.“We aim to enhance opportunities for our elite athletes and boost social and economic development through job creation,” Karumendu said.He added that increasing prize money is essential to attract international competitors. “We need elite runners from South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia to compete alongside our athletes. Without them, our local athletes will not be competitive at marathon level.”Los Angeles 2028Sports director Jo-Ann Manuel emphasised that the race fits into broader preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.“This event helps us discover talent ahead of the Olympics. We hope to uncover the next Lavinia Haitope or Christine Mboma.“We are deeply grateful to Navachab Gold Mine for supporting us for 11 years. It shows we are doing something right. We hope they will continue with us for many years to come,” she said.– mariud@nsh.com.na

Navachab half-marathon targets World Athletics recognition

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Navachab half-marathon targets World Athletics recognition

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