The sixth Nedbank Citi Dash brought competitive athletes and recreational runners together in Windhoek on Sunday, 6 September 2026, for a morning of road running through the capital.
Starting and finishing at Windhoek High School’s Vegkop Stadium, the event featured a 10km elite run, followed by 10km and 5km fun runs. The format gave experienced athletes an opportunity to compete for honours while allowing social runners and younger participants to take part at a level suited to them.
Selma Kaulinge of Nedbank Namibia said the Nedbank Citi Dash continues to give runners a structured event through which to pursue personal goals and take part in road running in the capital.
‘Each runner arrives with a different goal. Some compete for a place on the podium, while others focus on completing the distance or improving their previous time. The Nedbank Citi Dash provides the setting for each of those achievements,’ Kaulinge said.
Youth participation remained an important part of the event, with reduced entry fees offered to runners under the age of 18 in the fun-run categories. The 10km elite run attracted 168 athletes, comprising 116 men and 52 women. The field included 22 runners in the u18 categories.
Matias Simon won the elite men’s category in 29 minutes and 40 seconds. He attributed the result to his preparation, saying his body had ‘responded well’ during the race.
Simon also encouraged younger athletes to take up the sport. ‘Running is more enjoyable when we do it together because we can celebrate together at the end,’ he said.
Tuuli Angala completed the course in 35 minutes and 50 seconds to win the elite women’s category. She described the race as tough, particularly because of the hills, but said she was proud to finish first.
For Angala, the appeal of the Nedbank Citi Dash also lies in its ability to bring people together. ‘What makes this race special is that people come together to run,’ she said.
Petrus Nuule claimed the u18 men’s title in 32 minutes and 49 seconds. He welcomed the opportunity to compete and confirmed that he intended to return.
‘Athletics today was very good. We need to continue developing athletics next year, and I will take part in the race again,’ Nuule said.
Martha Samuel won the u18 women’s category in 46 minutes and 28 seconds. The result followed six months of preparation for her second appearance at the Nedbank Citi Dash.
Samuel said the course had been demanding and that she had not expected to win. ‘I prepared for about six months, and that work helped me through the race,’ she said.
Kaulinge acknowledged the contribution of the event organisers and volunteers, as well as the support provided by the City of Windhoek and sponsors involved in delivering the event.
Staging a road race through Windhoek requires careful coordination and support. We thank Namibia Health Plan (NHP), Pupkewitz Motors, DStv, Pepsi, Namibia Active Adventures, Checkers, Rent-A-Drum, Pupkewitz Mega Tech, Cycletec and the Namibia National Olympic Committee, as well as every volunteer who contributed to the event,’ Kaulinge said.
