Road race lined up for community

LONG-distance running got a financial boost from Afrisam Cement with a N$15 000 sponsorship to host the annual Golden Cheetah 10km Road Race due in Windhoek this Saturday.

The 10-kilometre road race starts at the Katutura Swimming Pool and caters for everyone who wants to take part.Yesterday, Afrisam Cement managing director Johan Burger said the race has become an annual event that has found a place on many an athlete’s calendar. The company is sponsoring the event for the third year running.’It has become a much-anticipated race amongst the young and veteran athletes and also for the public in general,’ he said.He said the fact that the route runs through Katutura and Khomasdal created interest in those two suburbs.’I am informed that this year we are expecting more than 200 people since most of the races have taken place and so more athletes and non-athletes are available to take part,’ he said.Burger added that though his company is not inclined to support sport due the fact that a lot of other companies support sport, they made an exception this year and gave support to several other codes.’We funded and supported the Okahandja Mountainbike Race, and the boat race that took place a few weeks ago. In the past we have also supported Willem Andries, Danny Mukua and Sam Myburg to participate in the Two Oceans Marathon with Afrisam colours,’ he said.He added that since the race is becoming more popular each year, they held discussions and are looking at increasing the kilometres from 10 to 21 next time.’This is just so that we can challenge the top runners who in most cases tackle the 10km race under 30 minutes. The fastest time last year was 29 minutes by Frans Hosea,’ he said.He added that Afrisam Cement views these races as an opportunity for the public to keep fit, while it could also be used by individuals to set goals for themselves.’Unless you are a top runner, the timing should not be an issue, but the finishing is important,’ he said.Director of Sport Vetumbuavi Veii said he was pleased to see companies such as Afrisam Cement taking the initiative in supporting sport.He said Government’s financial resources for sport are limited.According to race organiser Willem Andries, the Golden Cheetahs Athletics Club’s main aim is to train the youth and create a healthy and clean community.’One of the club’s visions is to send a minimum of 10 marathon and track-and-field athletes to the next Olympic Games to be hosted in the United Kingdom in 2010.’ Another organiser, Willem Rooi, said there will be cash prizes for the winners in the senior, junior, veteran, masters and school sections.The school that submits the first 100 entries before the closing date on Friday gets N$500 cash.Competitors can only enter the race on Friday between 14h00 and 20h00 at the swimming pool, as no registrations will be done on the day of the race.The race starts at 07h00 on Saturday morning. corry@namibian.com.na