Namibian marathon runner Silas Ipumbu says competing at the 2026 BMW Berlin Marathon was one of the most memorable experiences of his running career, particularly as the race fell on his birthday.
Ipumbu, who has also competed at the Chicago and Cape Town marathons, completed the 42.2-kilometre Berlin race and says representing Namibia on one of the world’s major marathon stages filled him with pride.
Speaking to Desert FM on the Midday Report show, Ipumbu describes the Berlin experience as unforgettable, highlighting the support from spectators and the significance of running through the city’s historic landmarks.
“Representing Namibia on one of the world’s biggest marathon stages filled me with immense pride,” Ipumbu says.
He says the race became increasingly difficult after the halfway mark, with fatigue setting in around the 31-kilometre point.
Ipumbu also reveals that he was recovering from a slight injury, which began to flare up during the latter stages of the race.
Despite the physical challenges, he says thinking about his preparation, sacrifices and responsibility of representing Namibia helped him push through to the finish.
For Ipumbu, competing internationally is about more than personal achievement.
He says carrying the Namibian flag gives him an added sense of responsibility and motivation, while also providing an opportunity to inspire young Namibians to pursue their own sporting ambitions.
“If a young Namibian sees me running or participating in a major world event like Berlin, they can ask themselves, if he can do it, why can’t I?” he says.
Ipumbu believes Namibia has the potential to grow its presence on the international marathon circuit, pointing to increasing participation in local road races as evidence of growing interest in long-distance running.
He says he hopes to eventually see larger groups of Namibian runners travelling together to major international races, rather than only a few athletes representing the country.
Looking ahead, Ipumbu confirms that the Cape Town Marathon is already on his calendar for next year, while he hinted at another international race later in the year without revealing details.
For young Namibians interested in long-distance running, Ipumbu’s advice is simple: start with what you have and build gradually.
“You don’t need to be the fastest runner or have perfect conditions for you to start,” he says, encouraging aspiring runners to focus on consistency, determination and motivation.
