Namibia long-distance runners Eliander Nepembe and Titus Elago delivered standout performances at the 99th Comrades Marathon in South Africa, securing silver medals after completing the gruelling 85.7-kilometre Up Run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in under seven hours and 30 minutes.
Nepembe was the fastest of the pair, finishing in seven hours, seven minutes and 16 seconds, while Elago crossed the line in seven hours, 24 minutes and 57 seconds.
Their achievements formed part of a strong showing by Namibian runners at what is widely regarded as the world’s premier ultramarathon.
Speaking to Desert FM, Nepembe described the mixture of excitement and nerves he felt at the start of the race.
“When you hear the bell ring and the national anthem has been sung, you realise there is no turning back. It was very nerve-racking because you are facing such a long distance and you can never say you are fully ready for Comrades,” he says.
Months of preparation preceded the race, with Nepembe often beginning training sessions before sunrise and spending weekends tackling long runs and hill sessions.
The silver medallist identified the famous Polly Shortts climb, encountered late in the race, as one of the most difficult moments of his journey.
“When the body is almost done and you are already tired, you find another steep hill. I had to run, walk, run, walk, run, walk. It was very tough, but we completed it,” he says.
For Elago, strategic pacing proved critical to achieving his silver medal target.
He said the demanding nature of the Up Run required runners to conserve energy during the opening stages before increasing their pace later in the race.
“My strategy was to go in conservatively for the first 50 to 60 kilometres and then pick up the pace after 60 kilometres to make it under 7 hours and 30 minutes. The energy conservation helped me because after 60 kilometres I was able to increase my pace and finish comfortably inside the silver medal time,” he says.
Elago also faced physical challenges along the route, including concerns about discomfort in his right foot during the race.
“There were times when I felt like my right foot was injured, but one thing every great runner will tell you is not to give up when you are feeling bad. Just keep pushing because what you feel now might not be what you feel 10 or 20 kilometres later,” he says.
The Windhoek City Runners Club fielded its largest-ever Comrades Marathon contingent this year, with 34 members participating in the event.
Elago said the growing numbers reflect the increasing popularity of distance running in Namibia.
“It is a good thing to see more people taking up running and fitness. We want to encourage people to get active, join a club and become part of a community.”
Both athletes highlighted the importance of international competition in helping Namibian runners gain experience and exposure.
Elago believes participation in races such as Comrades can help improve local events by exposing athletes and organisers to international standards.
Looking ahead, both runners have already set their sights on future challenges.
Nepembe plans to return to both the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons next year, while Elago hopes to qualify for the 2027 Comrades Marathon through a strong performance at the Black Mamba Marathon later this year.
Their achievements have been hailed as a proud moment for both the Windhoek City Runners Club and Namibia’s growing distance running community.
