Nedbank Citi Dash crowns new champions

Simon, who finished second last year, went one better this time, winning the men’s 10km in 29:40.9. Fule Hamuyina was second in 30:16.0, while Asser Nalukaku finished third in 30:33.3.

Simon said he was in better shape this year and decided to take control of the race from the start.

“I think for this year I’m in good shape, so that’s why I decided to start running from the start until the whole race and leading,” he said.

The race also formed part of his preparation for the Navachab Half Marathon, where he will aim to repeat last year’s success.

“I’m feeling proud, I’m happy my body is responding well, so I think I’m ready to compete again,” Simon said.

In the women’s elite race, Aangala produced a strong performance to win in 35:50.3, with Salmi Nduviteko second in 36:50.1 and Martha Shivolo third in 37:05.0.

Aangala, who specialises in the 400m and 800m on the track, admitted the 10km road race was a major challenge, particularly because of the hills.

“The race was very tough because of the hills, especially the one kilometre to finish. It was not easy, I almost started walking,” she said.

Aangala only trained specifically for the race for about a month, crediting her training partners for encouraging her throughout the preparation.

“They always motivated me to not give up. We need to push, so yeah, at the end I made it,” she said.

The decisive moment came around the seven-kilometre mark when Aangala increased her pace after several runners had remained together.

“Maybe three of us were together, so maybe at the 7km I started to push, putting in more speed. Then when I listened behind, no one was coming,” she said.

Away from the elite competition, the Nedbank Citi Dash continued to promote participation through its 10km Fun Run and 5km Family Run.

Nedbank Namibia Manager for Communications and PR Selma Kaulinge, who moved down from the 10km to the 5km this year after recovering from flu, said she enjoyed the shorter distance.

“It was still fantastic. I think the 5km people have more fun. It was a good run. The weather is nice, it’s cool,” Kaulinge said.

She described the Citi Dash as an inclusive event that caters for serious athletes, recreational runners and families.

“It’s really inclusive to everybody. The whole family can come. Small kids, if you are not a serious runner, or if you are a serious runner and want to break your record at the 10 kilometres, it’s really an all-inclusive race.”

Kaulinge said the strong turnout reflected the continued growth of running in Namibia, with an estimated 1 700 taking part.

“We’re very happy with the turnout. We always want to make the race bigger and better. We can see from year to year the race has grown,” she said.

She also believes running’s accessibility has contributed to its growing popularity.

“You don’t need fancy equipment. Anybody can do it, young or old. It’s a very inclusive sport and I think that’s why Namibians have taken it up.”

Check page 2 for Nedbank Citi Dash results.