597 runners take part in David Namwandi Trust Half Marathon

A total of 597 high school pupils and university students from across the country participated in the 4th Annual David Namwandi Trust Half Marathon held in Windhoek on Saturday.

The event featured a 21km race for tertiary students, and a 10km race for high school pupils aged 16 to 19.

In the men’s 21km category, International University of Management (IUM) Dorado Campus student Jeremia Shaliaxwa secured first place and walked away with N$5 000 in prize money. Lalion Gabriel from the Omusati region finished second, while Michael Paulus of Swakopmund claimed third place.

The race started at the IUM Dorado Park main campus, with runners making use of Hendrik Witbooi Drive and Sam Nujoma Drive before returning to the starting point.

The women’s 21km race was won by Naimi Indongo of the Namibia University of Science and Technology, with Sara Nekwaya of IUM Dorado Campus in second place, followed by Sarafina Ndara, also from IUM Dorado Campus.

In the 10km women’s category, Beata Ndilifilwa from John Shekudja Combined School finished first, while Elizabeth Kalola of Omakondo Combined School came second and Emma Kadila from Goreangab Secondary School secured third place.

The 10km men’s race was won by Henock Henock from John Shekudja Combined School. Dumeni Andreas of Okatope Secondary School finished second, while Iitoolwa Mwenetugamena from Eenhana Secondary School claimed third place.

Namwandi, the founder of the trust, said the marathon was established to “give high school learners from all 14 regions, as well as university and college students, an opportunity to showcase their long-distance running skills”.

Namwandi added that the event also aims to promote discipline, physical fitness, confidence and mental endurance among young athletes.

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