Seventy-six Namibian runners took part in the daunting Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa this past weekend.
The marathon is known as the world’s oldest and most prestigious ultra-distance road race.
Among them, veteran runner Bolla Akwenye returned for his third Comrades and executed a well-paced and disciplined race, crossing the finish line in 8 hours and 50 minutes.
His effort earned him the Bill Rowan medal, awarded to athletes who finish between 7h30 and 9 hours.
Three novices, Anthony Hearlen, Jeremia Lemegius and James Haludilu, also made their debuts this year.
Hearlen ran a 8h33min race, just outside the silver threshold, while Lemegius delivered a solid run in 09h50min. Haludilu completed the challenge in 10h27min.
Among the returning athletes, Fernando Mandumbwa delivered one of the day’s biggest triumphs, improving on his 2024 up run performance and conquering this year’s down run with a time that earned him his first Bill Rowan medal.
Alongside him, Bok Keib also claimed his back-to-back medal, marking his second successful Comrades and showing steady progress in his ultra-running development.
This year’s marathon was Frans Amakali’s fifth Comrades. However, despite a strong training season and high hopes, he narrowly missed his goal of a silver medal (sub-7:30).
Namibian runners among the contingent in the marathon came from Swakopmund Striders, Windhoek Harriers, Walvis Bay Road Runners, and the Windhoek City Runners.
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